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The South Africa-India Test rivalry has been characterized by intense battles on the cricket field. Historically, India have struggled in Test series in South Africa, failing to secure a series victory. The challenging conditions, especially the pace-friendly pitches, posed a significant hurdle for Indian teams. Despite notable individual performances, such as centuries from key players, India had been unable to break the jinx and clinch a Test series win on South African soil.
Turning the tide: A bright chance for India
The upcoming two-match Test series staring from Tuesday (December 26), presents a bright chance for India under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma to rewrite history and change their fate in South Africa. With a well-balanced squad, including experienced campaigners and promising talents, India aim to overcome the challenges posed by South African conditions. The team’s recent successes in overseas Test series have instilled confidence, and the players are eager to seize the opportunity to create a new chapter in India’s Test history in South Africa.
Top 5 century-making stars in South Africa vs India Test series:
5. Mohammad Azharuddin – India – Four centuries:
- Performance Against South Africa: Azharuddin, with his graceful strokeplay and impeccable timing, proved to be a thorn in South Africa’s side, amassing four centuries in Test games against them. His ability to navigate both pace and spin made him a consistent performer against the Proteas.
- Memorable Knock: In the memorable innings at Cape Town during the 1996-97 series, Azharuddin exhibited a batting masterclass against a formidable South African bowling attack. His elegant knock of 115 runs not only showcased his impeccable class but also played a pivotal role in steering India to a highly competitive position in the fixture. Azharuddin’s innings was marked by exquisite strokeplay, and his ability to handle both pace and spin with finesse was on full display.
4. Hashim Amla – South Africa – Five centuries:
- Performance Against India: Amla, known for his resolute batting, enjoyed immense success against the Indian bowlers, accumulating five centuries in Test matches. His patient and technically sound approach made him a formidable opponent.
- Memorable Knock: Amla’s double century in Nagpur during the 2010 series remains a standout moment. Amla’s marathon innings of 253 not out demonstrated his ability to anchor the South African innings with unwavering concentration. Facing a formidable Indian spin-dominant bowling attack in Indian conditions, Amla’s innings played a pivotal role in shaping the course of the game. His meticulous shot selection and resilience made this double century a testament to Amla’s batting prowess.
3. Virender Sehwag – India – Five centuries:
- Performance Against South Africa: Sehwag, the epitome of aggressive batting, left an indelible mark against South Africa with five centuries in Test cricket. His fearless approach and ability to dominate any bowling attack made him a nightmare for the Proteas.
- Memorable Knock: Sehwag’s electrifying triple century in Chennai during the 2008 series is etched in cricketing folklore. Sehwag’s audacious innings of 319, characterized by aggressive stroke play, changed the dynamics of the fixture. His fearless approach demoralized the South African bowlers and set the tone for India’s dominance. Sehwag’s triple century is remembered as one of the most exhilarating innings in India-South Africa Test encounters.
Also READ: SA vs IND: Virat Kohli returns home ahead of first Test; here’s the reason
2. Jacques Kallis – South Africa – Seven centuries:
- Performance Against India: Kallis, the legendary all-rounder, not only excelled with the ball but also showcased his batting prowess with seven centuries against India in Test matches. His solid technique and ability to play long innings made him a constant thorn for the Indian bowlers.
- Memorable Knock: One of the most remarkable innings in the India-South Africa Test series was Kallis’s outstanding double century in Centurion during the 2010 series. In a display of sheer batting mastery, Kallis scored an unbeaten 201 runs, showcasing his incredible skill, temperament, and resilience against the Indian bowling attack. Facing a formidable Indian side, Kallis batted with authority, accumulating runs with a mix of solid defense and elegant strokeplay.
1. Sachin Tendulkar – India – Seven centuries:
- Performance Against South Africa: Tendulkar, the cricketing maestro, boasted an extraordinary record against South Africa with seven centuries in Test matches. His mastery over batting techniques and adaptability made him a nightmare for the Proteas.
- Memorable Knock: In the India-South Africa Test series, Tendulkar’s iconic century in Cape Town during the 2010 series stands out. Facing a formidable South African pace attack, Tendulkar exhibited sublime batsmanship to score a masterful 146. His innings was a blend of classical strokes and gritty resilience, showcasing his ability to counter challenging conditions. Tendulkar’s century played a crucial role in India’s competitive total and remains etched in the annals of India-South Africa Test history.
