Ahead of the first Test match against Team India, South Africa`s skipper Temba Bavuma said that winning in India is second to the World Test Championship.
Considering that the Proteas have not managed to win in India for a long time, the skipper said that he understands the difficulty of the contest.
“I think, obviously, winning the World Test Championship… not much to trump that. But second to that, I think will be winning in India. It`s something that`s I wouldn`t even say it`s eluded us, but we haven`t been able to do for the longest of time. So, I mean, that`s definitely up there in terms of ambition,” said the South African skipper.
“We understand the magnitude of the challenge. Some of us in the group, there have been moments of hurt. So we know what it`s about,” he added.
With Shubman Gill leading a young Indian pack, Bavuma feels the contest will be exciting, and the South African players are also looking forward to playing against the best team.
“We look forward to the challenge. It should be exciting looking at the makeup of both teams — fantastic players within the Indian team, but a little bit of inexperience. Similarly with our side, the guys want to match up to the best in the world,” said the 35-year-old cricketer.
The series will also mark the return of Rishabh Pant to international cricket after recovering from a foot injury.
The first Test match between India and South Africa is scheduled to be played at the Eden Gardens from Friday. The Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati will host the second Test match between the teams from November 22.
IND vs SA Tests: Full Squads
India: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (C), Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (WK).
(With PTI Inputs)