South Africa’s Test captain Temba Bavuma recently shared a humorous piece of advice he received from former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson ahead of their upcoming Test series against India. At an awards ceremony in India, Bavuma approached Williamson for tips on how to tackle the formidable Indian side in their home conditions. While he didn’t glean extensive strategies, Williamson’s tongue-in-cheek recommendation was to ensure that Bavuma’s team wins the coin toss. Taking this light-hearted advice seriously, Bavuma has since begun practicing his coin toss skills.
Williamson’s insight is particularly notable given that New Zealand is the only team to have achieved a whitewash against India in their own territory, having done so in 2024. Although Williamson missed that series due to injury, he played a vital role in the Kiwis’ preparations, which saw them win two of three tosses. Interestingly, the solitary toss they lost turned out to be fortuitous as India’s decision to bat first on a green pitch backfired.
As South Africa gears up for their two-Test series in India, with the first match set to take place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Bavuma stresses the importance of preparation and individual performance. He indicated that the challenges posed by India are well-known and that success will hinge on players stepping up when it matters most. Recognizing the track record of his teammates, Bavuma pointed out how players like Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada made significant contributions during crucial moments in previous matches.
Bavuma is optimistic about his team’s readiness and recognizes that playing against a strong side like India requires not just winning the toss but also showing resilience and skill throughout the series. His lighthearted approach, bolstered by practical wisdom, sets a positive tone as the South African team prepares for what promises to be a challenging but exciting series.