Bavuma Returns As Proteas Name Test Squad For India Series

Following their incredible second test fightback in Rawalpindi against Pakistan to secure a series draw, reigning World Test Champions South Africa gear up to take on cricket powerhouse India in a two-Test series starting on 14 November. 

The opening Test takes place at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata before moving to the ACA Stadium in Guwahati for its debut Test match on 22 November.

In massive news and a huge boost for the Proteas, Test captain Temba Bavuma returns to the side after missing the Pakistan Test series due to a left calf strain.

The return of Bavuma, South Africa’s most prolific batter in the last Test cycle (2023-2025) with 711 runs in 13 innings at an average of 59.25, should add some steel in the middle order, as fans and pundits alike hope to see the same grit in this series witnessed in the triumphant World Test Championship Final. In addition, the inclusion of Bavuma brings leadership stability to the Proteas camp. 

With spin expected to dominate, the selectors have persisted with three frontline spinners – Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy – all of whom made major contributions in the preceding Pakistan series. 

Kagiso Rabada leads the pace attack, supported by Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, and Corbin Bosch. 

While the bulk of the batters have been retained, leading to good continuity, there is no place for David Bedingham, who was selected for the Pakistan tour but was not selected for either Test match. 

Bedingham was omitted because, in coach Shukri Conrad’s opinion, other batters were judged to be better equipped for the specific conditions expected in India (especially dealing with spin) than he was. 

Conrad was quite emphatic when he said, “It doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the road for David.” He added, “And look, in eight months, however long, when we play a Test match back home again, I’m sure David will be in that line-up.” 

Spinner Prenelan Subrayen has been excluded. 

The series forms part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-2027 cycle, adding to the importance of each Test as both teams compete for a spot in the WTC final. 

India remains one of the toughest places to tour for any Test side. South Africa will need to bring the collective character and resilience exhibited in the second Test against Pakistan. As coach Conrad noted: “Every player has a role to play –  this is always a tough place to tour.” 

For the Proteas, this series represents both a challenge and an opportunity as they look to convert momentum into positive results on another subcontinent tour. With Bavuma back, the spin department reinforced and a relatively settled core of players, South Africa are setting up to put in a competitive show.

Temba Bavuma (captain)

Aiden Markram

Ryan Rickelton

Tristan Stubbs

Kyle Verreynne

Dewald Brevis

Zubayr Hamza

Tony de Zorzi

Corbin Bosch

Wiaan Mulder

Marco Jansen

Keshav Maharaj

Senuran Muthusamy

Kagiso Rabada

Simon Harmer

Article by Riaz Hamed