Bavuma Believes India Series Sweep Feels Extra Special After Previous Losses

South Africa has done a remarkable job by clean-sweeping India in the two-match test series. It is a significant achievement, as the Proteas have long struggled to perform in subcontinental conditions. Led by Temba Bavuma, the India series sweep is a major victory for South Africa after winning the World Test Championship final in July.

The captain of South Africa hailed the current victory by referring to their previous losses in India. It should be noted that South Africa last toured India in 2019, when they lost all three test matches by a large margin. Considering that tour, the recent win certainly feels special, as it highlights the growth of the South African team in test cricket.

"It's not every day that you get to think that you can come to India and walk away with a 2-0 series win. I think what makes it sweeter as well for some of us within the group is the fact that we've been on the other side of the result.” said Temba Bavuma at the post-match press conference.

The captain then described how the mindset of the South African team has evolved. He said every player wants to perform at their best in each match. They want to adapt to every condition, so that the chances of winning can be maximized.

"There's a big shift in our mindset in terms of what we want to do when we're out there on the field of play. We want to play what is in front of us and adapt accordingly. Guys go out there quite clear on their roles and what they're trying to do.” said Temba Bavuma.

“There's a strong sense in each other that anyone on their day can do it for the team. As a captain, sometimes it's very hard to take the ball out of the bowler's hands. Everyone wants to continue bowling and you see it with the batting as well.” added Temba Bavuma.

He then described how consistent contributions from every player enabled the South African batting lineup to perform well in both matches. Although there were no centurions, the team still managed to post big scores through individual efforts.

"We don't have the guys who go on and score big 150s and all, but we'll have four or five different guys going on to score 60s and 70s. I can go on forever about the team, but I feel like the team is in a good space." said Temba Bavuma.

Bavuma Lauds Maharaj and Harmer

Speaking about the performance of spinners, Bavuma showered praise on the duo of Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj. He said both spinners complemented each other well, maintaining pressure whenever India attempted to play big shots.

"Simon, as a spinner, as a player, he's got the wealth of experience. He complements Keshav quite well. A little bit on the taller side, a bit more guile with the ball. What I appreciate is the competitiveness between the two. They are the two guys that I have struggled to take the ball out of their hands.” said Temba Bavuma.

The captain then specifically lauded the efforts of Simon Harmer, saying he remained the key player for them throughout the series. Previously, Keshav Maharaj had been their primary attacking option in the spin department, but now Harmer has emerged as another strike bowler for the team.

"Simon was the man for us in this series. We're so used to Kesh being that guy. We're in a good space from a bowling point of view. A guy like Simon, Kesh as well on his days, them stepping up, having lost a guy like KG [Rabada] who was a big player for us, again speaks about the need for the guys to want to do it for the team." concluded Temba Bavuma.