South Africa left Eden Gardens on Sunday carrying the thrill of a long awaited Test victory in India achieved after a gap of 15 years. This result was more than a win on the scorecard as it reinforced the identity the team has shaped in recent seasons one centred on grit unity and relentless belief. Head coach Shukri Conrad, who usually chooses his words carefully made no attempt to hide the significance of the achievement or the ambition that follows it.
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He noted that winning in India at a venue as iconic as Eden Gardens ranked among their finest accomplishments. Yet he made it clear that the job is far from complete. For him, a single Test win is never the destination with the bigger goal always being a series triumph.
South Africa’s victory came through a tough passage. Day 3 began with the visitors seven down and holding a slender lead of 63 with India, poised to strike Temba Bavuma however, resisted with a determined unbeaten 55 an innings defined more by its character than its flair pushing the target to a challenging 124.
Once the runs were on the board the bowlers seized control, Simon Harmer led a disciplined effort on a sharply turning wicket and the attack bundled India out in just 35 overs. Conrad acknowledged the scale of the challenge praising the Indian spinners’ relentlessness and the threat posed by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj especially when the ball reverses.
For South Africa, overcoming all of that made the triumph even more satisfying igniting belief that they can compete with and overcome the strongest sides in world cricket.
Belief has been a recurring theme for this squad. From the dramatic ninth wicket escape in Pakistan, last Boxing Day to the bold second highest chase at Lord’s in the recent WTC final, this team has forged a reputation for resisting the inevitable and fighting beyond expectations.
Conrad expressed deep pride in how the group trusts one another and how their collective mindset lifts them through critical moments. Though, he admits the squad may not always boast the raw talent of other teams he insists their unity and resilience bridge that gap and keep them in every contest.
With the series now wide open South Africa head to Guwahati for the second Test beginning November 22 carrying a 1–0 advantage. A win there would secure their first Test series victory in India in 24 years.
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