In South Africa, a men’s Test series win still evades India. Only England, Australia, and Sri Lanka of the visiting teams chalked up victories here, offering scant comfort to the Indians. Especially in times when people challenge their deemed uniqueness.
In eight series played in South Africa, India has lost seven of them. The only time they’ve come close to defying this trend was in the 2010–11 series, when they tied the score after South Africa’s triumph in Centurion. Their best performance in South Africa was the tight tie that followed at Newlands.
Here, we examine India’s top three run scorers in Test matches against South Africa:
1. Rahul Dravid
India’s ex-leader, now coach, was a top run-getter – particularly when bowlers had the advantage. South Africa’s skilled bowlers were no deterrent for Rahul Dravid.
In a tally of 41 innings and 20 Tests, Dravid has collected 1252 runs with an average of 33.83. Facing South Africa, he made half a dozen 50s and two 100s. His record score against them stands at 148.
2. Virender Sehwag
Test cricket saw one of its finest openers with Virender Sehwag. He started his Test series against South Africa with a bang, scoring a century. Then, in a home series against South Africa in April 2008, he made an impressive 319 runs in the first Test match at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
In just 278 balls, he zoomed past the 300-runs mark. His speed set a new Test history record for the fastest triple-century. This performance put him in the legendary ranks of Sir Donald Bradman and Brian Lara. He became the third-ever batsman to score two triple centuries in Test cricket.
In his series against South Africa, Sehwag proved his worth again. He collected 1306 runs in 15 matches. He averaged 50.23 runs and boasted a commendable strike rate of 80.
3. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar shines again in another batting chart. He was a standout performer in South Africa, unlike other batters. Facing off against South Africa’s bowlers, he confidently scored 1741 runs in 25 matches and 45 innings. His average was a strong 42.46. Tendulkar managed to hit the 50s five times, and he reached the 100s seven times. His top score reached a whopping 169.
Interestingly, against South Africa in Centurion, he completed his 50th Test hundred. This marked a significant part of India’s fight in the 2010-11 series.
Two Tests later, in Cape Town, Tendulkar made his 51st and last Test century in an iconic match against Dale Steyn. On the third morning, the fast bowler from South Africa produced a spell of breathtaking brilliance, deftly spinning the cricket ball.
Steyn was brilliant for five tight overs, appearing to take a wicket with each delivery. But Sachin not only supported Gautam Gambhir, he also carried the brunt of those thirty deliveries and, save from a few beats, he was immovable.
