Head coach Shukri Conrad said South Africa are confident of creating history in their upcoming two-match Test series against Shubman Gill’s India. The Proteas begin their campaign on Friday, November 14 with the opening Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
After seven tours of India, South Africa managed to win only one series – in 2000. Conrad believes in their powerful spin attack Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer gives them a real chance to end their 25-year wait for a Test series win on Indian soil.
“Having good spinners in your team, does it add spice to the overall competition? Yes, I think it gives us a lot of confidence. I’m not saying we haven’t had good spinners in the past, but we certainly think we have a better pack of spinners now in Keshav, Simon and Sen,” Conrad said at a press conference on Wednesday.
“It gives us a lot of confidence that if the conditions are (right) we feel we have the armory to face India obviously in that regard. We are quietly confident that we can make history here at the Eden Gardens and in India,” Conrad said.
NO GREATER CHALLENGE
South Africa recently drew their Test series in Pakistan 1-1 after a strong comeback win in Rawalpindi. However, Conrad recognized that facing India on its own terms would be a different challenge altogether.
“Look at India, it’s a tough challenge in the world anyway, and when you come to an iconic place like Eden Gardens, it becomes even tougher.
“I don’t think you can compare the quality of sides we’ve played against (Pakistan) with India and that will be our biggest challenge. Certainly in my 20th game, I don’t think there’s been a bigger challenge (than this),” added Conrad.
South Africa’s spinners impressed in Pakistan, with Simon Harmer, Senuran Muthusamy and Keshav Maharaj combining for 33 wickets. Harmer and Muthusamy took a six-wicket haul each, while Maharaj excelled with a seven-wicket haul.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
November 12, 2025
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