How Did South Africa Achieve Such a Sensational Win Over India?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling cricket encounter, South Africa stunned India with a remarkable 30-run victory at Eden Gardens. This win not only marks their first in India in 15 years but also establishes their dominance as World Test Champions. Explore the reactions from cricket legends and the implications for both teams.
Key Takeaways
- South Africa's bowlers dominated the match, leading to their victory.
- India's batting struggles were evident, raising concerns among former players.
- Temba Bavuma's innings was highlighted as a key factor in the win.
- Critics pointed out the need for India to reassess their tactics and player selections.
- The next Test will take place in Guwahati, providing India a chance to bounce back.
New Delhi, Nov 16 (NationPress) The cricket community has expressed its sentiments following South Africa's stunning 30-run triumph over India at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, as the visitors took a 1-0 advantage in the two-match series on Sunday, labeling it a "sensational and astonishing victory" for the Proteas.
The match concluded on just the third day of the Test, with bowlers dominating the action across eight sessions. On a challenging batting surface, the Proteas exhibited remarkable resilience, both with the bat and in the field, reaffirming their status as the reigning World Test Champions.
Numerous former cricketers took to X to share their reactions after the Temba Bavuma-led squad achieved their first victory in India in 15 years. South African cricket legend AB de Villiers remarked, "Incredible win! Well done, Proteas. I'm at a loss for words."
Former Indian cricketer Sreevats Goswami added, "This is precisely why South Africa is the World Test Champion! The packed Eden Gardens will be left disheartened."
Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin commended the Proteas' performance, stating, "A significant outcome for South Africa. Well played, Proteas!"
"UNBELIEVABLE!! ABSOLUTELY CRAZY!!!" exclaimed Mpumelelo Mbangwa.
Former Indian player Irfan Pathan criticized India's batting, suggesting a decline in their skills, while praising the World Test Champions’ performance. He highlighted Temba Bavuma's gritty innings, saying, "India's ability to handle spin has evidently diminished, yet this kind of play illustrates how far we have fallen. Soft hands, wrist work—everything has declined. Exceptional victory for South Africa in the WTC. Bavuma's second-innings performance was the match's highlight."
Former cricketer Venkatesh Prasad expressed concern, stating, "While we excel in white-ball cricket, we can't regard ourselves as a top Test team with such strategic missteps. Lack of clarity in selections and excessive tactics have led to poor outcomes in Test matches, aside from a drawn series in England."
Wasim Jaffer criticized the home team's performance, believing they failed to learn from their series loss to New Zealand, saying, "It seems we haven't absorbed the lessons from our defeat against New Zealand. The gap between our spinners and the opposition's narrows on pitches like this one. We must return to traditional Indian pitches, reminiscent of the 2016-17 season when Virat captained against England and New Zealand."
Tabraiz Shamsi, elated by the result, wrote, "Wow!!! We've faced struggles in Test cricket in India for so many years. This is monumental!"
Former Proteas captain Graeme Smith stated, "This is a sensational win for our team in India—definitely a cause for celebration."
Faf du Plessis, another former South African captain, simply reacted with, "PROTEAS!!!!"
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif praised South Africa's team choices, commenting, "South Africa demonstrated that with effective bowling, two spinners can suffice to win a Test in India."
The two teams will meet again in Guwahati for the second Test, commencing on Saturday at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
Point of View
It’s clear that this match serves as a wake-up call for the Indian team, highlighting areas that need improvement. While the Proteas celebrate their victory, India must reassess its strategies and player performances to reclaim its standing in Test cricket. At NationPress, we remain committed to delivering comprehensive coverage and insights on the evolving dynamics of cricket.
NationPress
16/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the Test match between South Africa and India?
South Africa won the Test match by 30 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Where was the match played?
The match took place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India.
Who led the South African team?
The South African team was led by Temba Bavuma.
How long has it been since South Africa won a Test match in India?
This victory marks South Africa's first Test win in India in 15 years.
What were some notable reactions to the match?
Reactions from former players included praise for South Africa's performance and criticism of India's batting strategy.
