India host world Test champions South Africa in a two-match series that starts at the Eden Gardens on November 14 and pacer Mohammed Siraj has said that the hosts are confident of their chances to maintain their dominance at home over the Proteas regardless of how the latter have performed recently. South Africa come into this series after drawing a tw0-Test rubber in Pakistan 1-1.
“This series is crucial for the new WTC cycle, especially since South Africa is the defending champion,” Siraj told reporters. “While they drew 1-1 with Pakistan, we’re confident from our own good form, we created a positive environment, performed well in England, and won against the West Indies,” Siraj said on JioStar.
Arguably more concerning for India would be the fact that South Africa A recently managed to chase down a target of a target of 417 against an India A side consisting Siraj and other frontline bowlers like Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep and Kuldeep Yadav. It has to be noted, however, the conditions at the Eden Gardens are expected to be vastly different from what was the case for the second unofficial Test that was played at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Siraj said that he feels he is bowling in good rhythm at the moment. “Personally, I’m bowling with good rhythm and looking to make the most of it. Facing strong teams helps identify areas to improve, and I’m really excited for this challenge,” he said.
Test series between India in South Africa have been dominated by the hosts more often than not. India have never managed to beat South Africa in the latter’s home, with their best results being two drawn series in 2010/11 and in the last series played between the two sides in 2023/24.
South Africa, meanwhile have managed to win once (1999/00) and draw twice (2007/08, 2009/10) in India but have not won a single Test match in the country since February 2010. Captain Temba Bavuma has said that while the task remains difficult, his side may be better poised to take India on at their home due to the quality spinners they have in their squad.
