Guwahati, Nov 26 (NationPress) Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn lauded the team's remarkable 2-0 Test series triumph over India, deeming it a significant milestone that showcased their unified effort.

During the match at Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, South Africa dominated India, winning by 408 runs in the second Test, thereby sealing a 2-0 series victory. Simon Harmer excelled with a stunning performance, claiming figures of 6-37, which led to India being bowled out for a mere 140 while chasing an imposing target of 549. This victory marked South Africa’s first Test series win in India in 25 years, the last being under Hansie Cronje in 2000.

Steyn remarked, "This is a monumental accomplishment, especially given that it has taken South Africa 25 years to secure a Test series win in India. Having experienced this myself, I can attest to the challenges involved. It's not merely about facing eleven players; it’s about contending with an entire cricket-obsessed nation, which tests every aspect of a visiting team's preparation, from travel to conditions," he shared on JioStar.

He added, "Under Temba Bavuma’s captaincy, South Africa has formed a cohesive team with bowlers capable of capturing 20 wickets in a Test and a batting line-up that consistently racks up runs. Although they might not have players with outstanding batting averages like past legends, the strength of this team is in its collective effort.

“No player in the South African squad performed poorly during the tour; every individual contributed significantly with both bat and ball. Their fielding was exceptional, with Kyle Verreynne shining in both wicketkeeping and batting. This South African team is operating at full capacity and deserves immense respect for their impressive form demonstrated here in India,” he concluded.

Steyn also noted that luck and the performance of South Africa’s spinners played crucial roles in their 2-0 series victory. "The conditions in India are as challenging as ever. Had this been the series opener, I believe the cricket would still have been tough," he said.

He mentioned that India’s Shubman Gill missed a key contribution due to injury, and had he been available, the match dynamics might have shifted. Luck, such as winning the toss, favored South Africa, as acknowledged by Ravindra Jadeja. However, the primary difference lay in South Africa's spinners outperforming those of India, effectively utilizing variations in pace and line, which the Indian batsmen found difficult to handle.

“South African batsmen tackled the Indian spinners with confidence, while bowlers like Marco Jansen adapted skillfully with reverse swing and variations. In contrast, the Indian team appeared less adaptable. Overall, despite the challenging conditions, South Africa's superior execution made all the difference,” he concluded.