Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis and pace legend Dale Steyn have paid a glowing tribute to Virat Kohli's 2018 Indian Test side, describing it as the toughest-looking Indian team they had ever faced on South African soil. The remarks came during an appearance on Cricinfo's 'Cricketers on Cricketers' show, where the two Proteas greats reflected on a bruising series that tested the mettle of both sides.

The Johannesburg Test That Defined a Generation

The Johannesburg Test of 2018 remains one of the most physical encounters in recent memory. The pitch was treacherous, with deliveries rearing sharply off a length and striking batters on gloves and bodies with alarming regularity. South Africa opener Dean Elgar was struck on the helmet by a Jasprit Bumrah delivery — a moment Elgar himself later described as evidence of a 'dangerous' surface.

Yet it was the Indian team's response that left the deepest impression on the two South Africans. Despite taking several blows, India made no complaint to the umpires and held their nerve to claim a famous 63-run win — one of their most celebrated Test victories away from home.

What Du Plessis and Steyn Recalled

'Do you know what I remember from that series? The standout from that specific match and the series thereafter was that I could see visibly in the Indian team that his leadership made them harder, tougher,' du Plessis said, addressing Steyn on the show.

Steyn, recalling the broader narrative around India's touring sides, was equally candid. 'Well, there was always talk about them coming to South Africa and being soft. And I remember that Test match when it was a messy wicket. The one where Dean got hit on the head in Jo'burg. And a lot of their batters got hit like popping off a length, hitting their gloves. And they showed nothing,' he said.

Du Plessis on Why India Refused to Complain

Du Plessis elaborated on a telling dynamic that unfolded during the match — South Africa, trailing in the contest, wanted the umpires to intervene over the pitch conditions, while India, in a commanding position, chose silence. 'They didn't complain to the umpires. And why? Because they were ahead in the Test match. It was the hardest-looking Indian team that I've seen come to South Africa. We were like (saying to the umpires), but see, it's dangerous for them. And they're like, no, but they're not complaining,' du Plessis recalled.

He went on to credit Kohli's personal ethos for the transformation. 'India won that Test match, and it was because of that. Otherwise, it should have actually been called off. But it was obviously a Virat Kohli thing. 'Guys, we're not gonna step back here. We're gonna front up'. Also physically, you could see the transition in the different Indian teams. Like, he brought an element of fitness into the team. He probably started it, right?' du Plessis said.

Kohli's Legacy: Fitness, Fight and a Cultural Shift

The anecdote underscores a widely acknowledged shift in Indian cricket under Kohli's captaincy — from a side historically seen as vulnerable away from home, particularly in pace-friendly conditions, to one willing to absorb punishment and compete toe-to-toe. This cultural change has been credited as the foundation for India's subsequent away series wins, including their historic Test series victories in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21.

Notably, while India did not win the 2018 South Africa series overall, the Johannesburg Test victory — secured under extreme physical duress — has come to symbolise the competitive character Kohli instilled in the side. The reflections from two of South Africa's most respected cricketers add further weight to that legacy.