“We Can Take 20 Wickets”: Temba Bavuma Confident Ahead of India Test Series

Temba Bavuma said South Africa are confident of taking 20 wickets in Tests against India, backed by their strong spin and bowling depth.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma expressed confidence in his team’s bowling attack ahead of the two-Test series against India, beginning November 14 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. He highlighted bowling as South Africa’s major strength, particularly praising their spin options for the subcontinent challenge.

The trio of Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy are expected to lead the attack after combining for 33 wickets during the 1-1 series draw in Pakistan. Bavuma also mentioned Tristan Stubbs as a useful part-time spin option.

“Bowling has always been a strength of ours as a team. Now, we’re probably even better poised with those spin resources. We have Tristan Stubbs as well, if we do need another off-spinner, he can come in with something different. You need the bowlers to be able to take 20 wickets, right? I think now we’re quite confident in our ability and if the conditions are saying that spin is the threat, then at least we have the resources,” said Bavuma while speaking to the reporters.

“I think as a South African team, I don’t think we’ve won a Test series here in India for a long time. So, I think there’s a massive opportunity there and I think there’s a big target on our backs as a South African Test team. I think there’s expectation on us (as world champions),” he continued.

“It’s always tough playing in India. You’ve seen the young talent that has come in. The guys come in, they are all filling the boots. It is a big task. Those guys you mentioned have performed over a number of years for India, and they’ve put India on the map of where they are. But yeah, we’ll prepare as well as we can, understand the challenges that we’ll find here, and strive to put our best foot forward,” Bavuma added.

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South Africa, who last won a Test series in India in 1999-2000, enter the tour as reigning World Test Champions after defeating Australia earlier this year, and will be eager to extend their success in red-ball cricket.