'Job's far from done' – Conrad Targets Series Victory After Crushing India at Eden Gardens

South Africa defeated India in the first test at Eden Gardens in a remarkable fashion. They displayed dominant performance on a pitch that was made to deter them by the overconfident hosts. Against all odds, South Africa came up with a fine bowling performance that surprised the entire Indian team. Their captain, Temba Bavuma, also made brave decisions that proved too hot to handle for India at Eden Gardens.

The victory in India is quite significant, however, it is not the only result the Proteas are aiming for. They are now targeting to win the next test, as it will allow them to clinch the series after a long time in India. The head coach of South Africa, Shukri Conrad, thinks exactly the same way because he understands the value of this historic opportunity.

Speaking about the match, Shukri Conrad said that the victory was special because beating India on their own spinning tracks is no ordinary feat. He added that the win has given the team the belief that they can compete with any side, anywhere, by utilizing the right resources.

"There was prodigious turn, and the Indian quartet of spinners just don't give you anything. You throw Jasprit [Bumrah] in there with a new ball and when it starts reverse-swinging, both him and [Mohammed] Siraj are obviously world-class. It makes our victory even sweeter that we were able to contend with all of that and come out on top. It gives you a belief that you can mix it with the best and do special things." said Shukri Conrad at the post-match press conference.

He further praised the ability of the South Africa team, saying that the Proteas never give up no matter what the situation is.

"Whilst we might not have the ability that a lot of teams have, or we haven't tapped that ability yet, what we lack in that, we certainly make up for in our ability to play as a unit and the resilience we show. We never give up." said Shukri Conrad.

Describing the significance of the victory, Conrad called the Eden Gardens win as a special one. He is pleased with how South Africa first delivered a remarkable performance against Pakistan in the second test at Rawalpindi, and now against India in the series opener.

"This was right up there for us. Coming to India, playing at Eden Gardens, doing something we haven't done for 15 years, this is right up there. We won a Test match in Pakistan, we've now won a Test match here but the job's far from done. You don't come to a country to win a Test match, you obviously want to win the series." said Shukri Conrad.

The victory against India is special because it will propel South Africa to do more special things in the near future. The South African head coach praised his team for their smart execution of various plans that took India by surprise on home soil.

"I'm so proud of the group in terms of the belief that they've got and how they pull together as a unit. It will do wonders for our psyche and it will do wonders for us going forward." said Shukri Conrad.

Rabada’s Fitness Status Ahead of Upcoming Match

Giving a fitness update on Kagiso Rabada, who missed the Eden Gardens test, Shukri Conrad said that the team management is continuously monitoring his recovery and is not keen to make any decision in a hurry.

"We wanted to give him the best chance of being ready, so we gave it up until the morning and when KG tells you 'I'm not ready', then you better believe him. It makes it so much sweeter that someone that we know can make a huge impact on the game is ruled out and we could still win." said Shukri Conrad.

After thumping India at Eden Gardens, South Africa is now looking forward to winning the next test of the series. They are hopeful to repeat the same heroics with the bowl in the next game at Guwahati, where spin can once again play a major role.