As the IND vs SA Test series starts at Eden Gardens on Friday, all eyes are on Keshav Maharaj, South African premier spinner and one of world cricket’s most consistent slow bowlers.
Ranked just behind Noman Ali and Nathan Lyon among spinners, Maharaj stands above India’s Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja in the global charts-a rare scenario where a visiting spinner poses a greater statistical threat than his Indian counterparts.
From 2015 Setback to 2025 Redemption
Maharaj could be considered fortunate not to have made his Test debut during South Africa’s calamitous 2015 tour of India. For the extent to which those pitches turned – particularly in the opening Test in Mohali and the “poor” Nagpur surface that even the ICC saw fit to condemn – is unlikely to be replicated.
He eventually made his debut a year later in the seam-friendly conditions of Perth. When he did tour India in 2019, Maharaj took six wickets at an average of 85.66 numbers that didn’t truly reflect his skill but underlined how tough touring India can be for visiting spinners.
Now, close to a decade later, Keshav Maharaj returns to India as the linchpin of South Africa’s attack, determined to rewrite history and lead his side to their first win on Indian soil since 2010.
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“A Real Hunger to Beat India in India”
Speaking ahead of the first Test, Maharaj highlighted how determined the team was to change that narrative.
“There’s a real hunger and desire within the camp to beat India in India,” he said. “It’s one of the toughest tours in world cricket, but also a wonderful opportunity to see how far we’ve come.”
South Africa have not enjoyed the best record in India, with only one series victory back in 2000 and four losses. But with a more well-rounded squad and growing confidence in subcontinent conditions, they feel this IND vs SA series might prove to be a different story.
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Spin-Heavy Squad Ready to Challenge India
The current South African squad features a strong spin contingent: Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy all of whom played crucial roles in the recent Pakistan series. Together, they accounted for 35 of the 39 wickets taken by South African bowlers. Maharaj insists, however, that the spinners do not dominate team discussions.
“No, the spinners speak the least, whatever the situation may be,” he said in jest.
Anticipating Balanced Conditions
Unlike the exaggerated turners of 2015, Maharaj expects more balanced surfaces for this India vs South Africa Test Series.
“I don’t think it will be as spin-friendly as in Pakistan, he said. I expect good pitches that deteriorate as the game progresses traditional Test cricket wickets.
This prediction aligns with recent Test matches India played against the West Indies, where spinners took 35 wickets but the pacers also played key roles.
India’s Evolving Attack vs. South Africa’s New Confidence
While Ravichandran Ashwin dominated the 2015 series with 31 wickets at an incredible average of 11.12, India’s bowling strength has evolved. Now led by Jasprit Bumrah, supported by Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, India boast one of the most complete pace attacks in the world. Jadeja and Kuldeep add world-class spin options, making them a formidable unit in home conditions.
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Yet Maharaj recognises India’s development in the context of South Africa’s:
“They’re a wonderful team and have come a long way. But so have we. We’ve started conquering different parts of the subcontinent and want to continue that momentum.”
Batters Ready for the Challenge
This time around, though, South Africa aren’t merely dependent on spin to give them a fighting chance. The batting department, comprising Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne, appears better prepared for Asian conditions. Five players currently in the squad have already registered centuries in the subcontinent.
A Decade After the Turning Point
The 2015 series was a major turning point in the journey of both teams and the first series at home for Virat Kohli as captain. A decade down the line, the IND vs SA Test Series 2025 could very well be another defining series for a redeeming South African team and a Keshav Maharaj ready to seal his place among the best spinners in the world.
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