South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has claimed that he will draw inspiration from New Zealand’s historic clean sweep of India in October-November 2024. The Proteas are gearing up for a multi-format visit of India, including two Test matches.
Temba Bavuma expressed confidence that his team could emulate the Black Caps’ success, hoping that South Africa would win both games and complete a clean sweep of their own.
New Zealand created history by being the first team to whitewash India in a three-match home series, winning the first Test in Bengaluru by eight wickets, the second in Pune by 113 runs, and the series finale by 25 runs at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Bavuma, who recently guided South Africa to the World Test Championship championship, also stated that he intends to chat with New Zealand captain Kane Williamson to gain insights and advice on how to defeat India in their home conditions.
“Touring India is never an easy one. So, looking at the way New Zealand approached its business, I think it was inspiring in many ways. A lot of touring teams, a lot of away teams come to India and haven’t been successful,” said Bavuma as quoted by NDTV Sports.
“And that’s the biggest of cricketing nations. I heard Kane Williamson is going to be here. So, I’ll definitely be asking him for tips on how they went about it,” he added.
The middle-order batter also mentioned that the Proteas will face Pakistan in a Test series before the India tour, and he aims to use that series to build momentum and fine-tune their preparations.
“But look, that’s going to be another big series for us. The boys will be going to Pakistan. So they’ll deal with that challenge. And straight after that, it’s India. And I think, like I said, for the guys who’ve been to India, we know how tough it is. But I think like any series, like any game, the opportunities are there, you know,” said Bavuma. “So we’ll definitely, from an ambition point of view, want to be coming out on top. But we know that we’ll need to play the best cricket.”
The right-handed batter further praised Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for their roles in shaping India into the formidable side it is today. He said he was also excited about competing against the young players on both sides, viewing it as an opportunity to witness the next generation of talent emerge on the big stage.
“And obviously, India now, Shubman Gill, he’s taken over the reins within the Test staff, and I think the ODI staff,” he added. So I think it’s exciting. You know, he’s a fantastic player. He’s an exciting player. And it seems as if the new era has kicked in, if I could say so. I think guys like Rohit, before him, and Kohli, they’ve done their job. You know, they put India really on the top, and they’ve made India a team to really be feared,” said Bavuma.
“So, I don’t think it takes anything away from what they have done for Indian cricket. I think it’s just the way the game goes. You know, at some point, the sun stops shining on you, if I could say. The younger guys, the ones that you’ve mentored, the ones that you have inspired, they take over the reins. So I’m sure India will continue to dominate. Our job as South Africans is not to allow them to dominate as much. But I’m sure India will continue being one of the top teams in the world,” he concluded.
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