The World Test Championship (WTC) titleholders, South Africa, are gearing up for one of their toughest challenges yet — a two-match Test series against India on the latter’s home soil.With the opening encounter scheduled at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, questions loom large over South Africa’s final playing XI.
The biggest one: will Temba Bavuma make his return to the side at the expense of young Dewald Brevis?
Since the dawn of 2024, India and South Africa have been the central figures in almost every major ICC final across formats, genders, and age groups.
Their rivalry has deepened with three recent title clashes — the men’s T20 World Cup (2024), the women’s U19 T20 World Cup (2025), and the women’s ODI World Cup (2025). Now, the stage is set for another riveting chapter between two modern heavyweights of world cricket.
South Africa arrive in India brimming with confidence after a spirited 1-1 series draw in Pakistan, capped off by a stirring win in the second Test.
Their form line is further bolstered by the recent exploits of their ‘A’ side, which chased down a record 417 against India A in Bengaluru on Sunday — a result that has only strengthened belief within the camp.
Captain Temba Bavuma, who led the Proteas to their maiden WTC title earlier this year, returned to action with a composed half-century for South Africa A.
His re-entry into the Test fold brings both experience and stability — but also a selection headache for the management.
The question now is: who makes way for their skipper’s return?
The opening pair of Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton looks all but set.
The right-left combination offers balance at the top, and with Bavuma resuming leadership duties, Markram will be free to focus solely on his batting. The 29-year-old got three starts in Pakistan but failed to convert any into a big score — something he’ll be keen to amend in India.
For Rickelton, this will be his maiden Test tour of India. The 28-year-old averages just under 40 after 13 Tests and has shown a temperament well-suited to longer formats. How he adapts to India’s turning tracks could define South Africa’s top-order resilience.
The middle order remains the most debated segment of South Africa’s XI. Tony de Zorzi, who replaced Bavuma during the Pakistan series, seized his chance spectacularly, emerging as the only centurion and standout batter across both Tests.
His performances have cemented his place, leaving either Tristan Stubbs or Dewald Brevis likely to miss out.
While Stubbs has more Test experience (12 matches) than Brevis (4), both had underwhelming tours of Pakistan.