At the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, South Africa crushed India by 408 runs in the second Test to complete a 2-0 series sweep. Simon Harmer returned with figures of 6-37 to bowl India out for just 140 in pursuit of an improbable 549, as South Africa secured their first Test series win in India in 25 years, the previous victory coming under Hansie Cronje\u2019s captaincy in 2000.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"It\u2019s a monumental achievement, especially considering it\u2019s taken South Africa 25 years to win a Test series in India. Having toured here myself, I know how challenging it is. It\u2019s a place that pushes you out of your comfort zone. Cricket in India isn't just about competing against eleven players; it\u2019s facing an entire cricket-mad nation, which tests everything from travel to conditions for any visiting team,\" Steyn said on JioStar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Under Temba Bavuma\u2019s leadership, South Africa has built a cohesive unit with bowlers capable of taking 20 wickets in a Test and a batting line-up that relentlessly accumulates runs. While they may lack players with lofty batting averages like previous stars, this team\u2019s strength lies in collective contribution.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"No one in the South African squad had a poor tour; every player contributed with bat and ball. Their fielding was also outstanding, with Kyle Verreynne shining behind the stumps and with the bat. This South African team is firing on all cylinders, deserving immense respect as they capitalise on their current peak form, which they emphatically demonstrated here in India,\" he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also noted that luck and South Africa\u2019s spinners being better than the Indian tweakers also played major roles in the visitors' 2-0 series win. \u201cThe conditions in India remain challenging as ever. Had this been the first Test of the series, I believe it still would have been tough cricket.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"No one in the South African squad had a poor tour; every player contributed with bat and ball. Their fielding was also outstanding, with Kyle Verreynne shining behind the stumps and with the bat. This South African team is firing on all cylinders, deserving immense respect as they capitalise on their current peak form, which they emphatically demonstrated here in India,\" he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"South African batsmen confidently took on the Indian spinners, while bowlers like Marco Jansen adapted expertly with reverse swing and variations. The Indian side, by contrast, appeared less adaptable. Overall, the conditions remained tough, but South Africa\u2019s superior execution made the difference,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\r\n\r\n