On November 16, 2023, South Africa made history by securing their first Test win in India in 15 years with a thrilling 30-run victory in Kolkata. This landmark win was particularly remarkable given the situation they found themselves in at the start of day three. At 93/7, South Africa had a slender 63-run lead, and India was in firm control, seemingly poised for a quick win. However, the Proteas mounted a remarkable fightback, adding 60 more runs in the morning session, which eventually proved decisive in securing the victory.
Temba Bavuma and Corbin Bosch’s Crucial Partnership
One of the turning points in the match came from an unexpected partnership between Temba Bavuma and Corbin Bosch. Together, they added 44 runs for the eighth wicket, with Bavuma contributing significantly to the fightback. Interestingly, despite their growing partnership, India’s best bowlers—Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja—were not initially deployed in tandem against them. Bumrah was introduced into the attack after the pair had already put on 29 runs, and it was he who eventually broke the partnership in his third over.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was left baffled by India’s bowling strategy on day three morning. In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Ashwin pointed out that India missed a key opportunity by not starting with Bumrah and Jadeja immediately after the day’s play resumed. According to Ashwin, these two bowlers should have been India’s primary weapons, especially considering the conditions that favored fast bowlers with variable bounce and seam movement.
Ashwin’s Thoughts on India’s Batting Struggles and Pitch Management
In his analysis, Ashwin also discussed the growing issue of Indian batters struggling against spin. He noted that the notion of Indian players being “good players of spin” is outdated. “It’s no longer new news that our batters have been struggling against spin,” Ashwin commented, adding that Indian players are currently much better at facing fast bowling. This shift in preference is significant, as it reflects the changing nature of Indian cricket over the years.
Further discussing India’s approach to pitch preparation, Ashwin raised concerns about the country’s demand for turners in every part of the country. While India often seeks spinning tracks for home advantage, Ashwin argued that not every region can produce such surfaces, and trying to force spin-friendly pitches can lead to unexpected outcomes, as seen in Kolkata. This was a point echoed by India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, who after the game, stated that India got the exact pitch they wanted, but it turned out to be more challenging than anticipated.
Ashwin concluded that the demand for turning tracks across the country should be re-evaluated, particularly when conditions may not support such pitches. He stressed that while turning tracks with good speed may work in some regions like Sri Lanka, they may not always be ideal in Indian conditions.
Conclusion: Lessons from South Africa’s Historic Win
South Africa’s victory in Kolkata is a testament to their resilience and ability to capitalize on crucial moments. From the fightback by Bavuma and Bosch to the strategic bowling decisions that shaped the outcome, the match was a perfect example of how Test cricket is won on small margins. For India, the loss highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in managing bowling strategies and pitch preparation. As the team moves forward, lessons from this game will be vital in refining their approach, especially as they look ahead to future challenges at home and abroad.
