As the Proteas prepare for their two-match Test tour of India beginning this Friday in Kolkata, it’s time to look at the four players who are primed to make a major impact. Several of them stood up during the drawn series in Pakistan and will again play pivotal roles in the sub-continent conditions.
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Temba Bavuma
Returning from a calf injury, Bavuma is back at the helm and reasserting himself at No. 4 in the batting lineup. His captaincy has guided South Africa to their World Test Championship triumph and he brings crucial leadership in conditions where patience and control matter. The squad announcement named him as captain for the India tour, underlining the management’s trust in his experience.
He’s arguably the Proteas’ best batter in this format and will play a key role if South Africa are to defy the odds and claim a series win on Indian soil.
Tony de Zorzi
Tony de Zorzi’s form and shot-making could be crucial in a series where South Africa will seek to build pressure and get off to good starts at the top of the order.
He was the only Proteas player to score a century against Pakistan and will be looking to build on a solid series and cement his place in the Test side.
Keshav Maharaj
Maharaj is arguably South Africa’s best ever spinner. He made a statement in Pakistan, claiming 7/102 in the second Test on an abrasive Rawalpindi track, which helped South Africa draw the series.
His accuracy, left-arm variation and ability to bowl long spells offer South Africa a real weapon on slower Indian wickets. With four front-line spinners selected for India, Maharaj leads the attack and could be the difference in low-scoring games.
Simon Harmer
Harmer made his comeback count: in the Pakistan series, he picked up 13 wickets and proved that his recall was well justified. His control, experience in Asia and smart variation complement Maharaj’s left-arm spin, giving the Proteas a potent spin duo.
In India, where comfortably bowling 30/40 overs spells can turn matches, Harmer may play a quiet but decisive role.
Why Their Roles Will Matter in India
South Africa opted for continuity by retaining most of the squad that drew in Pakistan; coach Shukri Conrad emphasised the need to rely on the players who showed “character and fight”.
India’s pitches often benefit spin and reward those who can occupy the crease under pressure. Bavuma’s leadership and the spin pair of Maharaj and Harmer give the Proteas tools that worked in Pakistan and are now tailored for India. Meanwhile, de Zorzi’s batting flexibility addresses the need for middle-order runs when conditions turn tricky.
