South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma said that it was a triumph of this group of Proteas players, who had been through some dark times, but came together as a team to take a Test series win in India.
India succumbed to a 408-run loss to South Africa in Guwahati on Wednesday, marking one of the worst home Test runs in recent memory with a series whitewash by New Zealand and now one delivered by South Africa.
Bavuma said that a culture of wanting to contribute and believing that anyone could have a big day on the field, has led to South Africa’s Test success in India.
“It’s massive. For me personally, been out of the game for a couple of months with injury. Not every day you can come to India and walk away with a 2-0 series win. What’s special is we had dark days as a group and it’s a credit to them.
“There’s a big shift in our mindsets in terms of what we want to do. I think our preparation is something guys go out there looking to contribute. Anyone on their day can do it for their team, that’s the belief. As a team we are really in a good space. The way we performed here will grow our confidence even more,” said Bavuma after the match.
Bavuma reserved special praise for Simon Harmer, the spinner who took 14 wickets across the two Test matches and led the Proteas to their first series win in India since 2000, and only their second-ever Test series win in the country.
“That’s a big thing, everyone wants to know where they stand. Guys want to be the man for their team. Everyone has contributed. We don’t see big 100s, but we have got 4-5 guys contributing. I can go on and on about my team but yeah.
“Simon has the experience of playing here in India in 2015, he complements Keshav quite well. Bit more guile with the ball, it’s a struggle to take the ball out of their hands. Simon was the man for us this series,” said Bavuma.
South Africa are now second in the World Test Championships standings on 36 points behind Australia. India on the other hand have now slipped below Pakistan and are on fifth position.
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