Gandhi-Mandela Trophy: South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, will take on Shubman Gill’s India at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata for the first Test starting on November 14. The two-match series will then move to Guwahati for the second Test, which begins on November 22.
India vs South Africa Test Series: A Historic Moment Before the First Ball Is Bowled
Even before play begins in the City of Joy, a special moment is set to unfold. The history-making event? It’s all about the toss. The India vs South Africa Test series is played for the Gandhi-Mandela Trophy, named after two of the world’s greatest freedom fighters, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.
This time, a unique coin will be used for the toss, one side featuring Gandhi and the other showing Mandela. It’s a fitting tribute to two leaders who not only fought for freedom in their own lands but also inspired movements around the world. The gesture symbolizes the shared history, ideals, and deep mutual respect between India and South Africa.
The Connection Between Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela
It’s important to remember that Mahatama Gandhi’s fight for justice actually began in South Africa. His journey as a freedom fighter started the day he was thrown out of a train for traveling first class, a compartment reserved for whites. That moment sparked his lifelong mission against discrimination.
Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison for standing up to South Africa’s racist government, later became the country’s first black president in 1994. In many of his speeches, Mandela spoke highly of Gandhi and his philosophy, acknowledging the influence it had on the African National Congress (ANC) movement.
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Gandhi-Mandela Trophy: South Africa’s Record at Eden Gardens
For South Africa, this Test marks their return to Eden Gardens after 15 years. The last time they played here, they lost by an innings, and they also faced defeat in 2004. However, they do have one fond memory at this ground, their very first Test in Kolkata back in 1996, which they won.
Overall, it has been a tough journey for the Proteas in India. They have not won a Test series on Indian soil since 2000 and haven’t managed to win even a single Test here since 2010. Their previous visit ended in a 3-0 whitewash at the hands of India.
Gandhi-Mandela Trophy: Who Will Win the India vs South Africa Test Series?
The last time these two teams met in a Test series, it ended in a 1-1 draw. The Gandhi-Mandela Trophy was first introduced in 2015, when India claimed it with a 3-0 win over South Africa.
India recently bounced back to form by defeating West Indies 2-0, ending a year-long wait for a Test series victory. With that momentum on their side, they’ll be aiming to extend their winning run and take down the reigning World Test Champions.
This series isn’t just about cricket, it’s a celebration of history, legacy, and the bond between two nations shaped by the vision of Gandhi and Mandela.
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