Overview:
South Africa have now won 11 of their last 12 Tests, reflecting their rise as a red ball powerhouse heading into the India series.
South Africa have announced their 15-member Test squad for the much-anticipated tour of India, starting November 14, 2025. The two-match series marks the beginning of a fresh overseas challenge for the reigning World Test Champions, who head into the series with exceptional red-ball form and a historic ICC title triumph earlier this year.
Under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, the Proteas have built a balanced Test side that combines experience with emerging talent. The squad reflects the confidence and continuity of a team that has been consistent over the past year.
South Africa’s Test Squad for India Tour 2025
Temba Bavuma (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne.
Series Schedule
1st Test: November 14–18, Eden Gardens, Kolkata
2nd Test: November 22–26, Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati
World Test Champions Arrive in India
South Africa enter the India series full of confidence after winning the ICC World Test Championship 2023–2025. They defeated Australia by five wickets in the final at Lord’s in June 2025 to claim their maiden WTC title, ending a 27 year wait for a major ICC men’s trophy since the 1998 Champions Trophy.
Aiden Markram was the star performer in the final with a superb 136, while Kagiso Rabada delivered a decisive five wicket haul. South Africa finished at the top of the WTC league stage with 8 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses in 12 matches. Their consistent run also included an eight match winning streak, their second longest in Test history.
Strong Momentum from Pakistan Series
Before their India tour, South Africa played a two match Test series against Pakistan that ended 1–1. The series showcased the team’s depth and strength across departments.
Tony de Zorzi was the leading run scorer for South Africa with 175 runs at an average of 58.33, including a century (104) and a fifty (55). His performances have established him as a reliable top order batter.
All rounder Senuran Muthusamy had an outstanding series with 106 runs at an average of 53 and 11 wickets at 18.36, including two five wicket hauls. Ryan Rickelton added stability with 155 runs at an average of 51.67.
Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj dominated with the ball on turning tracks, helping South Africa secure a strong eight-wicket victory in the second Test. Kagiso Rabada contributed four wickets and valuable lower-order runs, while stand-in captain Aiden Markram led with composure, scoring a crucial 42 in the chase that sealed the win.
South Africa have now won 11 of their last 12 Tests, reflecting their rise as a red ball powerhouse heading into the India series.
JUST NOW
Squad Composition: A Balanced Unit
The 2025 India tour squad is well rounded, featuring depth in batting, a versatile all round group, and a mix of pace and spin options suitable for subcontinental conditions.
Batting Unit: De Zorzi, Markram, Rickelton, Brevis
- Tony de Zorzi: 15 Tests, 816 runs, average 31.38, 2 centuries, 3 fifties. A composed left hander with the ability to play long innings.
- Aiden Markram: 48 Tests, 3090 runs, average 35.9, 8 centuries, 13 fifties. The backbone of the top order and a proven match winner in all conditions.
- Ryan Rickelton: 13 Tests, 793 runs, average 40.0, 2 centuries, 1 fifty. Reliable in the middle order and known for his compact technique.
- Dewald Brevis: 4 Tests, 138 runs, 2 fifties. A dynamic young talent bringing flair and aggression to the lineup.
- Temba Bavuma: 64 Tests, 3708 runs, average 38.2, 4 centuries, 25 fifties. The experienced skipper adds composure and leadership to the batting group.
- Zubayr Hamza: 8 Tests, 307 runs, 1 fifty. A technically sound player capable of occupying the crease in testing conditions.
Together, this batting unit offers a strong mix of youth and experience, something South Africa lacked on previous tours of India.
All Round Strength and Lower Order Depth
Senuran Muthusamy: 7 Tests, 279 runs, average 31.0, 22 wickets. A key spin bowling all-rounder who contributes in both innings.
Wiaan Mulder: 22 Tests, 1170 runs, 38 wickets. A dependable all rounder who has even registered a triple century in domestic cricket.
Marco Jansen: 19 Tests, 518 runs, 77 wickets. A left-arm quick, who provides bounce and movement with the ball and valuable runs down the order.
This trio strengthens South Africa’s lower order and offers flexibility in team combinations, especially in conditions where both spin and pace could be influential.
Pace and Spin Attack: The Core Strength
South Africa’s bowling attack remains one of the most formidable in world cricket.
Kagiso Rabada: 73 Tests, 340 wickets, strike rate 39.0. The leader of the attack and one of the finest fast bowlers of his generation.
Marco Jansen: 19 Tests, 77 wickets. Offers left arm variation and the ability to extract bounce even on slower surfaces.
Corbin Bosch: 3 Tests, 15 wickets, 217 runs including a century and a fifty. Adds fresh pace and aggression.
Wiaan Mulder: Complements the pace unit with his swing and accuracy.
The spin department is equally impressive
Keshav Maharaj: 60 Tests, 212 wickets. South Africa’s premier spinner is known for control and consistency.
Simon Harmer: 12 Tests, 52 wickets. Fresh from a 13-wicket performance against Pakistan and a key weapon in turning conditions.
Senuran Muthusamy: Brings variety with his left-arm spin and batting depth.
Bavuma will have plenty of options to rotate bowlers and adapt to match situations, which will be crucial in India.
Leadership and Return of Temba Bavuma
Captain Temba Bavuma returns from injury just in time for the series. His leadership was instrumental during South Africa’s WTC winning campaign, marked by calm decision making and tactical awareness. Bavuma’s batting will also be vital, particularly against India’s quality spin attack. His ability to absorb pressure and guide partnerships could prove decisive in tight sessions.
Challenges in India
Despite their current form, South Africa face familiar challenges in Indian conditions. The ball tends to turn early, and the Proteas will be tested by the spin trio of Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. Managing the middle overs and avoiding collapses against spin will be key.
At the same time, the South African top order will need to handle the new ball threat from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, both capable of producing movement and bounce even on flat pitches.
However, this South African side appears better prepared than ever before. With a strong spin attack, solid batting core, and multi dimensional all rounders, they possess the tools to challenge India in their own backyard.
Expectations Ahead of the Series
South Africa have not won a Test series in India since 2000. But with renewed belief after their World Test Championship triumph, this could be their best chance in two decades to change that statistic.
Their recent success is built on clarity of roles, consistency in selection, and balanced leadership. If players like Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, and Senuran Muthusamy continue their rich form, and if Rabada leads the attack effectively, South Africa could make this a competitive and memorable contest.
Final Thoughts
South Africa arrive in India as champions, confident and well prepared. Their transformation over the past year has been remarkable, from a rebuilding side to the holders of the World Test Championship mace.
Under Bavuma’s leadership and with Markram’s form, the Proteas have rediscovered their trademark traits, grit, discipline, and determination. The India series is not just another bilateral tour; it is a defining moment for this new generation South African team to cement their place as the best Test side in the world.
If they can carry the momentum from their Lord’s victory into India, cricket fans can expect one of the most exciting Test series of 2025.