India are set to take on South Africa in a two-match Test series starting with a Boxing Day Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Historically, India have never clinched a red-ball series win in South Africa, and Rohit Sharma’s leadership aims to rewrite history for the world’s top-ranked Test side.
Despite announcing a full-strength squad, injuries have sidelined Mohammed Shami and Ruturaj Gaikwad for the two matches, while Ishan Kishan withdrew due to personal reasons. KS Bharat was added as backup wicketkeeper for KL Rahul. Following the initial Test, the teams will compete in the second Test at Newlands in Cape Town from January 3 to 7, 2024.
Ahead of IND vs SA Test series, here’s an overview of India-South Africa Test history:
Most wins: South Africa (17 victories in 42 Tests)
Highest total: India posted 643 for 6 (dec) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata (February 14, 2010).
Lowest total: India managed 66 all out in 34.1 overs at Kingsmead, Durban (December 26, 1996).
Biggest win (by innings): India won by an innings and 202 runs in Ranchi on October 19, 2019.
Biggest win (by runs): India defeated South Africa by 337 runs in the Delhi Test on December 3, 2015.
Most runs: Sachin Tendulkar accumulated 1741 runs in 25 Tests.
Highest individual score: Virender Sehwag’s 319 in Chennai on March 26, 2008.
Most centuries: 7 each by Sachin Tendulkar and Jacques Kallis.
Most fifties: Graeme Smith hit 8 in 15 Tests.
Most runs in a series: Rohit Sharma scored 529 runs in four innings during South Africa’s tour of India in 2019.
Most wickets: Anil Kumble claimed 84 wickets in 21 Tests.
Best bowling figures (innings): Lance Klusener took 8 wickets for 64 runs in 21.3 overs at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on November 27, 1996.
Best bowling figures (match): Ravichandran Ashwin bagged 12 wickets for 98 runs in 46 overs in Nagpur on November 25, 2015.
Most 5-wicket hauls: Dale Steyn and Ravichandran Ashwin have 5 each.
Most wickets in a series: Ravichandran Ashwin secured 31 wickets in four Tests during South Africa’s tour of India in 2015-16.
Most dismissals: Mark Boucher effected 60 dismissals in 14 Tests.
Most catches: AB de Villiers took 25 in 20 Tests.
Highest partnership: Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis forged a 340-run stand for the 3rd wicket in Nagpur on February 6, 2010.
Most matches: Sachin Tendulkar played 25 Tests.
Most wins as captain: Virat Kohli secured 8 wins in 12 Tests.