Former international cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin lauded South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma for outshining his Indian counterparts with the bat in the first Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Proteas recorded a historic 30-run win on Sunday, November 16, marking their first victory on Indian soil in 15 years and grabbing a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

**Temba Bavuma’s Grit Leads South Africa to Victory**

Temba Bavuma stood tall in the second innings, scoring an unbeaten 55 off 136 deliveries. His resilient knock helped South Africa overcome a deficit and stretch their lead to 123 runs—a margin that ultimately proved decisive. Batting with the tail-enders, Bavuma frustrated Indian bowlers and stitched together crucial runs, giving South Africa the edge.

R Ashwin highlighted Bavuma’s technically assured batting on a tricky wicket, contrasting it with the Indian team’s struggles across both innings:

> “So, on a pitch where you have to fear both the pacers and the spinners, and scoring opportunities are limited, it is very difficult. Credit to South Africa—despite Maharaj having a very ordinary game, they came out on top. The way Temba Bavuma played in this game, I have not seen too many Indian batters also bat like that. Washington Sundar defended outstandingly, Axar Patel has a classy defense, but I have not seen too many players defend like Bavuma.”
> — R Ashwin, on his YouTube channel

**Ashwin Criticizes Current Indian Batting Against Spin**

Ashwin criticized the current generation of Indian batters for their inability to tackle high-quality spin bowling. He opined that batters from earlier eras would have managed such conditions far better, and cautioned the team management against preparing such challenging pitches until the evolving batting lineup is better equipped.

> “In another era, where compact play against spin was valued, players like Amol Muzumdar, Mithun Manhas, even Sachin Tendulkar in his prime—if they had played on the same wicket, the game would have lasted four days. In this game, across both lineups, only three batters defended the ball well. So, if you want to play on turning pitches, your game against spin must be good. If it isn’t, then don’t play on such pitches. As simple as that.”

Ashwin went on to add:

> “We are not the best players of spin in the world right now. Many Western teams are much better at it. The type of wicket we used against West Indies in Ahmedabad won’t work against South Africa—they have Jansen, Rabada, Bosch, and there’s no home advantage. Instead, pitches like Delhi would suit us better. Our team is not ready for these sorts of wickets.”

**India’s Recent Batting Struggles**

Team India previously secured a 2-0 series win against the West Indies on less challenging pitches. In the first Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium, seamers like Mohammed Siraj starred, while the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium went to the fifth day.

However, India’s record in relatively modest chases has been poor. About a year ago, India failed while chasing 147 against New Zealand at the Wankhede, losing by 25 runs. Earlier, they fell short by 28 runs while attempting to chase 231 against England in Hyderabad.

**“Should Have Got 124” – Ashwin**

Despite the difficult conditions and South Africa’s bowling prowess, Ashwin maintained that India should have chased down the target in the first Test:

> “If you are playing against the West Indies in Eden Gardens and Guwahati, then no problem. The matches against South Africa should have been scheduled in Ahmedabad and Delhi instead. Whatever said and done, India should have got 124. We did not have the resources to counter spin properly,” Ashwin reasoned.

**Next Fixture**

The second Test between India and South Africa is scheduled to begin on Saturday, November 22, at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.

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