I think, obviously, winning the World Test Championship\u2026 not much to trump that. But second to that, I think, will be winning in India,\u201d Bavuma said on the eve of the first Test at Eden Gardens. \u201cIt\u2019s something that\u2019s\u2014 I wouldn\u2019t even say it\u2019s eluded us, but we haven\u2019t been able to do for the longest time. So, I mean, that\u2019s definitely up there in terms of ambition.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
South Africa haven\u2019t won a Test in India since 2010 and have lost seven successive matches across three tours. But Bavuma believes his current group \u2014 unbeaten in any full-strength Test series since coach Shukri Conrad took charge in 2023 \u2014 carries the composure, belief, and experience needed to change that script.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe understand the magnitude of the challenge. Some of us in the group there have had moments of hurt. So we know what it\u2019s about,\u201d he said. \u201cWe look forward to the challenge. It should be exciting looking at the makeup of both teams \u2014 fantastic players within the Indian team, but a little bit of inexperience. Similarly, with our side, the guys want to match up to the best in the world.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bavuma also recalled a lighter moment with former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, who was part of the team in a stunning 3-0 Test win over India in their own conditions last year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI met up with Kane at an awards evening in India a couple of months ago. I tried to ask him for some pointers,\u201d Bavuma said. \u201cHe wasn\u2019t too open about it, but he did say, make sure that you win the toss. So I\u2019ve been practising it.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The South African skipper, returning from a long injury lay-off, tuned up with runs and time in the middle during the second unofficial Test against India A. After a golden duck in the first innings, Bavuma struck a composed fifty in the second \u2014 a sign of rhythm returning.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cFor me, the biggest thing was having come off a long lay-off of Test cricket, getting back on the field, proving my fitness to myself and everyone around, and spending some time at the crease. I think that was important,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In that game, Bavuma also faced Kuldeep Yadav for the first time and came away impressed. \u201cI\u2019d rather face him in the A game than here in Kolkata \u2014 that\u2019s if he plays,\u201d he smiled. \u201cHe\u2019s not a massive turner of the ball, but he can obviously deceive you off the wicket. You can see why India have a lot of faith in him. Definitely a guy who\u2019s a wicket-taker.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Eden Gardens Test also marks an emotional return for Bavuma, two years after South Africa\u2019s 83-run collapse in an ODI World Cup game at the same venue \u2014 a low point that triggered intense scrutiny of his batting and leadership.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt wasn\u2019t the greatest of World Cups for me from a batting point of view. So, I can understand why the criticism came,\u201d he said. \u201cFrom a captaincy point of view, it\u2019s always felt like a process of discovery. You\u2019re always learning more about yourself. I think now I\u2019m a lot more comfortable in my own skin. There\u2019s no case of having to prove to myself or to people back home that I\u2019m deserving of the title. The results speak for themselves.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Scrutiny, he knows, will always be part of the job. \u201cThe magnifying glass is always going to be on you. So, you try to take it day by day and enjoy it. Coming here to India, like I said, is a big, big challenge. And as a batter, you want to be successful in these types of conditions.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With South Africa\u2019s traditional Boxing Day and New Year\u2019s Tests missing from this year\u2019s calendar, Bavuma said the India tour has become their marquee event.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Scrutiny, he knows, will always be part of the job. \u201cThe magnifying glass is always going to be on you. So, you try to take it day by day and enjoy it. Coming here to India, like I said, is a big, big challenge. And as a batter, you want to be successful in these types of conditions.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBack home, there\u2019s been a major shift in mindset towards the Proteas. I think there\u2019s a lot more appreciation now,\u201d he said. \u201cSome of our guys weren\u2019t even born when those World Cups happened. For us, it\u2019s not something we carry. The World Test Championship win brought relief \u2014 and a stronger belief that if you keep going, things are about to happen.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n