After returning from Australia, Team India will play a full series against South Africa. It will include two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is. After the World Test champions drew the Test series against Pakistan 1-1, they will challenge India. South Africa have never won a Test series in India and they would want to end that trend. The Proteas won their one and only ODI series in India in 2015. For India, the five-match T20Is will serve as the last leg of preparations for T20 World Cup.
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India vs South Africa Head to Head
The head-to-head statistics between India Cricket team and South Africa cricket team provide an interesting overview of their competitive rivalry across formats including Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
| Format | Mat | India Won | SA Won | Draw/Tie/NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 44 | 16 | 18 | 10 |
| ODI | 94 | 40 | 51 | 3 |
| T20I | 31 | 18 | 12 | 1 |
IND vs SA in World Cups
| Event | Mat | India Won | SA Won | Draw/Tie/NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI World Cup | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| T20 World Cup | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
India vs South Africa 2025
For the first time in 10 years, South Africa will visit India for a full tour. The last time South Africa visited India for a full tour in 2015, they won the ODI and T20I series. But this India is dominant and it will be difficult for the Proteas to beat India in any format. The Test series will begin on November 14 in Kolkata and will end with the 2nd Test in Guwahati. The three-match ODI series begins on Nov 30 in Ranchi with the final ODI taking place on December 6 in Vishakhapatnam. India’s crucial five-match T20I series begins on December 9 in Cuttack and the fifth and final T20I is in Ahmedabad on December 19.
IND A vs SA A 2025
Before the Test series, South Africa A will also visit India for a shadow tour, starting October 30. Temba Bavuma will play the 2nd Unofficial Test in Bengaluru. There will also be a three-match One-Day series in Rajkot, starting on November 13.
India vs South Africa match records
Overall, South Africa have had an advantage in all Test and ODIs. However, despite their T20 prowess, India have won more T20Is. In the T20 World Cup, including the final of 2024, India have won five matches compared to the Proteas’ two. In the ODI World Cup, though, it is even-steven. Both teams have won three each.
In ODIs, South Africa dominated initially, winning seven of the first 10 matches. However, there has been a shift in recent years. India have become a dominant force in the ODI format and that has led to close encounters between the two sides.
In Test cricket, there have been some memorable matches between the two sides. With AB de Villiers, Jaques Kallis, Allan Donald, and Shaun Pollock, among other greats on the Proteas side, they have had their moments. But India too have fought some memorable battles. However, South Africa remains India’s final frontier in Test having never won a series there.
In the India tour of South Africa 2024, the hosts will have another chance to better their record in T20Is.
India vs South Africa rivalry
The cricketing rivalry between India and South Africa has roots that date back to 1991, when South Africa re-entered international cricket after apartheid. Since then, these two have been involved in many gripping contests that have added rich chapters to their shared history.
Their face-offs on the pitch quickly became a test of resilience and skill. The significant Test series are as much about the sport as they are about mutual respect and camaraderie off the field. For instance, their encounter during South Africa’s tour of India in 2000 is still remembered for India’s remarkable turnaround victory in Kolkata.
Another unforgettable moment unfolded during the 2010-11 season when South Africa visited India. The series was fiercely competitive with both teams securing wins before culminating in a high-tension draw.
One-day internationals (ODIs) between them often feature explosive batting and cunning bowling strategies. Notably, the Hero Cup semi-final in 1993 saw India defending a modest score by just 2 runs, sparking massive celebrations.
Key players in India vs South Africa rivalry
The India vs South Africa cricket rivalry has featured many key players who have significantly impacted the matches across various formats. These players have showcased their talent and skill, often turning the tide in crucial encounters. Here’s a look at some of the key players who have been instrumental in this rivalry:
Key Indian Players
Virat Kohli
Renowned for his aggressive batting and leadership, Kohli has been a linchpin in India’s batting lineup. He has also been a successful batter against the Proteas bowling attack, scoring 3306 runs across all formats at an average of 56.03. Virat Kohli has three Test centuries and five ODI tons against the Proteas.
Sachin Tendulkar
The legendary batsman had several memorable innings against South African bowling attacks, cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats. Tendulkar scored 3752 runs across all formats. He also had seven Test centuries and five ODI tons against South Africa.
Jasprit Bumrah
Known for his lethal pace and pinpoint accuracy, Bumrah has been a significant challenge for South African batsmen in recent years, particularly in Test matches. Bumrah has bagged 38 wickets in just 8 Test matches. Overall, he has scalped 58 wickets across formats. But who can forget his spell in the T20 World Cup 2024 final. His 2/18 in the T20 WC final against South Africa was one of the greatest T20 spells as India snatched victory from Proteas.
Ravichandran Ashwin
A master of spin, Ashwin has played a pivotal role in India’s successes against South Africa, especially in sub-continental conditions. He has 75 wickets against South Africa, proving a handful against them. In Test cricket in India, Ashwin has bagged 46 wickets in just 7 matches.
Key South African Players
AB de Villiers
Known as “Mr. 360,” de Villiers’ ability to manipulate bowlers with innovative shots made him a formidable opponent for Indian bowlers. It won’t be wrong to say that India was one of his favourite opponents. He scored 2899 runs at an average of 40.83 across formats. His 217 in the Ahmedabad Test in 2010 was one of the best.
Dale Steyn
One of the most feared fast bowlers, Steyn’s raw pace and swing have troubled Indian batsmen in numerous encounters. Steyn-gun scalped 102 wickets against India in 36 matches across formats. What sets him apart from other pacers is his wicket-taking abilities in Indian conditions. In 15 matches, Steyn bagged 44 wickets, making him one of the most lethal pacers.
Hashim Amla
A consistent performer, Amla’s elegant batting style and ability to anchor the innings have been crucial for South Africa in many matches against India. With over 2500 runs against India, Amla made Indian bowlers toil hard. His unbeaten 253 in the 2010 Nagpur Test was one such example.
Jacques Kallis
One of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history, Kallis had an illustrious career against India across all formats. His performances against India were characterized by consistency, resilience, and the ability to contribute both with the bat and ball. Kallis scored 3409 runs against India across three formats. But he also bagged 55 wickets against India.
Highest run scorers
The India vs South Africa cricket rivalry has seen several prolific run-scorers who have left their mark across different formats. These players have consistently performed at the highest levels, contributing significantly to their team’s success. Here’s a look at some of the highest run scorers in the India vs South Africa encounters across formats:
| Player | Test | ODI | T20 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 1741 | 2001 | 10 | 3752 |
| Jacques Kallis | 1734 | 1535 | 140 | 3409 |
| Virat Kohli | 1408 | 1504 | 394 | 3306 |
| AB de Villiers | 1334 | 1357 | 208 | 2899 |
| Hashim Amla | 1528 | 938 | 61 | 2527 |
Leading Wicket-Takers
Highlight the leading wicket-takers in matches between India and South Africa, offering insights into their bowling figures and records. Discuss key spells and pivotal moments where these bowlers turned matches in favour of their team. Include analysis of their techniques and effectiveness against top batsmen from the opposing side.
| Player | Test | ODI | T20 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anil Kumble | 84 | 46 | 0 | 130 |
| Dale Steyn | 65 | 34 | 3 | 102 |
| Shaun Pollock | 52 | 48 | 2 | 102 |
| Harbhajan Singh | 60 | 31 | 4 | 95 |
| Javagal Srinath | 64 | 28 | 0 | 92 |
Most Centuries
India vs South Africa cricket matches have witnessed outstanding batting performances, with several players from both teams achieving multiple centuries. Here are some of the players who have scored the most centuries in India vs South Africa encounters:
| Player | Test | ODI | T20 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 7 | 5 | 0 | 12 |
| Jacques Kallis | 7 | 2 | 0 | 9 |
| AB de Villiers | 3 | 6 | 0 | 9 |
| Virat Kohli | 3 | 5 | 0 | 8 |
| Hashim Amla | 5 | 2 | 0 | 7 |
| Gary Kirsten | 3 | 4 | 0 | 7 |
