As South Africa gear up for their first Test against India on 14 November, the Proteas are aiming to build on the momentum from their recent 1-1 drawn series in Pakistan.
With a spin-heavy attack and a mix of experienced campaigners and young talent, the team faces one of the toughest tours on the calendar.
Speaking ahead of the match, premier spinner Keshav Maharaj reflected on conditions, team dynamics, and the excitement of playing in India – particularly at Eden Gardens.
Asked about the nature of the pitches in India, Maharaj was clear that spinners would have to adjust.
“No, actually the spinners do the least talking, regardless of the condition. But yeah, I don’t think it will be as spin-friendly as we experienced in Pakistan.
“I think it will be good wickets that will deteriorate as the game goes on – more of your traditional Test wickets.”
Life off the field has also changed compared to past tours.
“Yeah, we are fortunate to be able to get out of the hotel. We’ve only been here two days, so we haven’t really ventured out.
“There’s been a lot of media, cameras, and training, but when the guys get a chance, they’ll definitely head out – maybe a coffee shop in the morning or something like that,” he said, highlighting the importance of balance during a long tour.
On the challenge of winning a Test in India after years of tough tours, Maharaj explained:
“I think there’s a real hunger and desire within the camp to beat India in India. It’s one of the toughest tours, if not the toughest, in the Proteas calendar. It’s a wonderful opportunity to gauge how far we’ve come – we’ve started to conquer conditions elsewhere in the subcontinent.
“The guys are focusing on basics, maintaining high intensity regardless of the toss, and carrying momentum from Pakistan. Partnerships – both batting and bowling – have been key, and everyone is sharing responsibility.”
India’s approach to preparing pitches has also evolved, according to Maharaj.
“Yes, very much so. If you watched the recent India–West Indies series, the wickets were good and went into day four and five. The narrative seems to be changing – India are preparing good cricket wickets that deteriorate naturally.
“They’re a wonderful team and evolving well with their new transition, so I expect good wickets rather than extreme turners.”
He emphasized the crucial role of runs and partnerships in the subcontinent.
“Wickets and runs are both crucial to winning. As a spinner, if you’re bowling in the fourth innings, you want a buffer – so runs are vital.
“Our batting lineup has come a long way; hundreds are shared, and everyone takes responsibility. A 60 in the subcontinent can be worth 150 elsewhere. The batters have really embraced that challenge.”
Intel from practice matches and the captain Temba Bavuma has been invaluable.
“Yeah, Temba’s given us some insight. He said not to look too much into conditions because they’re not realistic to what we’ll get in Kolkata.
“But there are positives – the bowling plans, the India A players’ approaches, and how their batters played – all useful intel to prepare from.”
Maharaj also spoke about keeping morale high during long tours.
“It’s more about breaking the monotony of sitting in your room. Guys go for coffee – coffee culture is big in our team – avo on toast, that sort of thing. It’s about a change of scenery.
“There’s lots of cricket chat now, which is great – senior and younger guys together. Even in Pakistan, when we could go out, we’d have dinners together. That change of scenery keeps the energy up.”
With three spinners in the XI, Maharaj says his mindset remains the same.
“It’s always nice to have that luxury, but for me, it doesn’t change much. I just want to bowl – I always ask the captain for the ball regardless of the situation.
“I love bowling, and I just focus on doing my job to the best of my ability.”
Returning to India has special significance for Maharaj, whose forefathers hail from the subcontinent.
“India holds a special place in my heart – it’s the land of my forefathers, so returning here feels nostalgic. Playing at Eden Gardens is a dream – it’s one of the three bucket-list venues alongside Lord’s and the MCG.
“The fans are on another level, and it’s a privilege to play on a ground with so much history and ethos.”
Finally, on his role in a spin-heavy squad with few seamers, Maharaj added:
“It doesn’t change too much. I always try to add value – bowling, planning, helping the captain or teammates. KG (Rabada) and I have a great relationship; we feed off each other even though we have different skills.
“We actually had a great cricket chat over coffee and lunch yesterday. My role stays the same – keep the energy and buzz going on the field and support wherever I can.”
Proteas Test Squad vs India
Temba Bavuma (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne.
Fixtures (SAST)
14–18 November, 06:00 SAST – India vs South Africa, Eden Gardens, Kolkata
22–26 November, 06:00 SAST – India vs South Africa, ACA Stadium, Guwahati
