South Africa Must Start Strong; Comebacks in India Are Tough: Graeme Smith

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): The two-match Test series between India and South Africa is set to begin on November 14 in Kolkata. Team India is known for its dominance on home soil, while South Africa, under Temba Bavuma’s leadership, has been performing well in the Test format and is the current World Test Championship (2023–25) winner. This has raised expectations for an exciting contest between the two cricketing giants.

Former South African captain Graeme Smith stated that South Africa needs to start the series strongly and aim for victory in the first Test, as making a comeback in Indian conditions is always challenging. Smith said, “South Africa must handle Jasprit Bumrah carefully early on and then deal with Indian spinners cautiously. If they lose 2–3 quick wickets and the spinners come in early, it will be difficult for them to recover. The team must avoid early collapses.”

Praising fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, Smith called him the leader of the attack and said that his ability to find rhythm with the new ball will be crucial for the team. He added that the spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer can be dangerous, but how the pacers manage reverse swing will be equally important.

Smith expressed hope that the Kolkata pitch would be good for batting and said that a packed stadium would motivate the South African players to perform well. Notably, South Africa’s only Test series win in India came under Graeme Smith’s captaincy.