The cricketing world is ready for an additional thrilling chapter within the fierce rivalry between India and South Africa, as the 2 groups put together to lock horns in a two-match Check collection, starting November 14 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The collection guarantees to be a fascinating contest between two sides brimming with younger expertise and seasoned campaigners.
India have acquired a significant enhance with the return of Rishabh Pant to the red-ball format. Pant’s aggressive batting fashion and wicketkeeping prowess add depth and vitality to the Indian facet. Equally, the Proteas shall be buoyed by the comeback of their captain Temba Bavuma, who lately featured within the two unofficial Assessments between India A and South Africa A, gaining precious match apply forward of the principle occasion.
Traditionally, South Africa maintain a slight edge in Check head-to-head encounters, profitable 18 out of 44 matches, whereas India have triumphed in 16. The remaining 10 Assessments led to attracts, showcasing simply how intently fought this rivalry has been over time.
Star batters to take middle stage in 2025 collection
As anticipation builds forward of the primary Check, consideration naturally turns to the star-studded batting line-ups on each side. For India, captain Shubman Gill shall be below the highlight after a sensational tour of England, the place he emerged as the very best run-scorer and led from the entrance with maturity and aptitude.
He shall be supported by a dynamic set of batters — vice-captain Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Dhruv Jurel — every able to turning a match on its head.
However, South Africa’s batting arsenal options an thrilling mix of youth and expertise. The likes of Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and captain Bavuma shall be anticipated to ship constant performances in subcontinental situations.
With batting items of such caliber, followers can anticipate fireworks — and probably a number of record-breaking innings — as each groups vie for early dominance within the collection.
5 batters with highest particular person scores in India vs South Africa Assessments
Over time, the India–South Africa rivalry has produced a number of unforgettable batting masterclasses. From elegant stroke-makers to energy hitters, each nations have seen their stars etch their names into historical past books. Let’s revisit the highest 5 highest particular person scores in India vs South Africa Assessments — innings that outlined matches and left an enduring imprint on cricket followers worldwide.
5) Mayank Agarwal (India) – 215 | Visakhapatnam, 2019
On October 2, 2019, Mayank Agarwal introduced his arrival in grand fashion with a powerful double century in opposition to South Africa in Visakhapatnam. Opening the innings alongside Rohit Sharma, Agarwal showcased exceptional endurance and temperament, dismantling the Proteas’ bowling assault with elegant drives and assured pulls.
His innings of 215, laced with 23 fours and 6 sixes, got here off 371 balls and laid the inspiration for India’s commanding whole. The partnership between Agarwal and Rohit was instrumental in organising an huge victory for India. It was a coming-of-age knock for the Karnataka batter, proving his functionality to excel in opposition to high quality tempo and spin alike.
4) AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 217 | Ahmedabad, 2008
In 2008, AB de Villiers produced a batting masterclass in Ahmedabad, guiding South Africa to a dominant place with an unbeaten 217. Identified for his versatility and innovation, De Villiers mixed strong protection with beautiful timing to blunt India’s bowling assault.
His innings was an ideal mix of endurance and precision — he struck 17 fours and a couple of sixes, pacing his knock superbly throughout 480 deliveries. This double ton not solely helped South Africa publish a mammoth whole but in addition highlighted de Villiers’ adaptability in Indian situations, the place he expertly countered spin and reverse swing. The Proteas additionally ended up registering a victory by an innings and 90 runs.
Additionally READ: IND vs SA 2025: South Africa’s Test record on Indian soil
3) Hashim Amla (South Africa) – 253 | Nagpur, 2010*
Few innings in Check historical past match the category and composure of Hashim Amla’s unbeaten 253 in Nagpur. The elegant right-hander displayed chic approach, utilizing smooth fingers and excellent footwork to dominate the Indian assault.
Batting for over 11 hours, Amla scored 253 not out, hitting 22 boundaries and occupying the crease for 473 balls. His monumental effort powered South Africa to a place of absolute management, serving to them safe an innings victory. The knock stays some of the affected person and aesthetically pleasing double centuries ever scored on Indian soil. The match noticed full domination from the guests as South Africa received by an innings and 6 runs.
2) Virat Kohli (India) – 254 | Pune, 2019*
When Virat Kohli is at his finest, he doesn’t simply rating runs — he instructions the sport. His breathtaking 254 not out in Pune in the course of the 2019 collection in opposition to South Africa was an ideal instance of managed aggression and relentless focus.
Batting for over seven hours, Kohli performed a chanceless innings, hammering 33 fours and a couple of sixes. He paced his innings superbly — cautious early on and devastating later — main India to an imposing whole. His double century reaffirmed his repute as some of the prolific and technically sound batters in fashionable cricket and helped India received by an innings and 137 runs.
1) Virender Sehwag (India) – 319 | Chennai, 2008
On the high of the listing stands some of the explosive innings in Check historical past — Virender Sehwag’s 319 at Chennai in 2008. The ‘Nawab of Najafgarh’ batted with attribute fearlessness, dismantling South Africa’s bowling assault with an array of blistering strokes.
Sehwag’s triple century got here off simply 278 balls, making it one of many quickest 300’s in Check cricket. His knock featured 42 fours and 5 sixes, and he reached his milestones — 100, 200, and 300 — all with boundary hits. It was an innings that redefined the artwork of opening in Check cricket and stays India’s highest particular person rating within the format.
Because the 2025 Check collection between India and South Africa approaches, followers hope to witness one other spherical of batting brilliance that might rival these iconic performances.
Additionally READ: IND vs SA: 5 South African players who can trouble India in the upcoming Test series
