The cricketing world is set for another thrilling chapter in the fierce rivalry between India and South Africa, as the two teams prepare to lock horns in a two-match Test series, beginning November 14 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The series promises to be a captivating contest between two sides brimming with young talent and seasoned campaigners.
India have received a major boost with the return of Rishabh Pant to the red-ball format. Pant’s aggressive batting style and wicketkeeping prowess add depth and energy to the Indian side. Similarly, the Proteas will be buoyed by the comeback of their captain Temba Bavuma, who recently featured in the two unofficial Tests between India A and South Africa A, gaining valuable match practice ahead of the main event.
Historically, South Africa hold a slight edge in Test head-to-head encounters, winning 18 out of 44 matches, while India have triumphed in 16. The remaining 10 Tests ended in draws, showcasing just how closely fought this rivalry has been over the years.
Star batters to take center stage in 2025 series
As anticipation builds ahead of the first Test, attention naturally turns to the star-studded batting line-ups on both sides. For India, captain Shubman Gill will be under the spotlight after a sensational tour of England, where he emerged as the highest run-scorer and led from the front with maturity and flair.
He will be supported by a dynamic set of batters — vice-captain Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Dhruv Jurel — each capable of turning a match on its head.
On the other hand, South Africa’s batting arsenal features an exciting blend of youth and experience. The likes of Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and captain Bavuma will be expected to deliver consistent performances in subcontinental conditions.
With batting units of such caliber, fans can expect fireworks — and possibly a few record-breaking innings — as both teams vie for early dominance in the series.
5 batters with highest individual scores in India vs South Africa Tests
Over the years, the India–South Africa rivalry has produced several unforgettable batting masterclasses. From elegant stroke-makers to power hitters, both nations have seen their stars etch their names into history books. Let’s revisit the top five highest individual scores in India vs South Africa Tests — innings that defined matches and left a lasting imprint on cricket fans worldwide.
5) Mayank Agarwal (India) – 215 | Visakhapatnam, 2019
On October 2, 2019, Mayank Agarwal announced his arrival in grand style with a magnificent double century against South Africa in Visakhapatnam. Opening the innings alongside Rohit Sharma, Agarwal showcased remarkable patience and temperament, dismantling the Proteas’ bowling attack with elegant drives and confident pulls.
His innings of 215, laced with 23 fours and 6 sixes, came off 371 balls and laid the foundation for India’s commanding total. The partnership between Agarwal and Rohit was instrumental in setting up an massive victory for India. It was a coming-of-age knock for the Karnataka batter, proving his capability to excel against quality pace and spin alike.
4) AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 217 | Ahmedabad, 2008
In 2008, AB de Villiers produced a batting masterclass in Ahmedabad, guiding South Africa to a dominant position with an unbeaten 217. Known for his versatility and innovation, De Villiers combined solid defense with exquisite timing to blunt India’s bowling attack.
His innings was a perfect blend of patience and precision — he struck 17 fours and 2 sixes, pacing his knock beautifully across 480 deliveries. This double ton not only helped South Africa post a mammoth total but also highlighted de Villiers’ adaptability in Indian conditions, where he expertly countered spin and reverse swing. The Proteas also ended up registering a victory by an innings and 90 runs.
3) Hashim Amla (South Africa) – 253 | Nagpur, 2010*
Few innings in Test history match the class and composure of Hashim Amla’s unbeaten 253 in Nagpur. The elegant right-hander displayed sublime technique, using soft hands and perfect footwork to dominate the Indian attack.
Batting for over 11 hours, Amla scored 253 not out, hitting 22 boundaries and occupying the crease for 473 balls. His monumental effort powered South Africa to a position of absolute control, helping them secure an innings victory. The knock remains one of the most patient and aesthetically pleasing double centuries ever scored on Indian soil. The match saw complete domination from the visitors as South Africa won by an innings and 6 runs.
2) Virat Kohli (India) – 254 | Pune, 2019*
When Virat Kohli is at his best, he doesn’t just score runs — he commands the game. His breathtaking 254 not out in Pune during the 2019 series against South Africa was a perfect example of controlled aggression and relentless concentration.
Batting for over seven hours, Kohli played a chanceless innings, hammering 33 fours and 2 sixes. He paced his innings beautifully — cautious early on and devastating later — leading India to an imposing total. His double century reaffirmed his reputation as one of the most prolific and technically sound batters in modern cricket and helped India won by an innings and 137 runs.
1) Virender Sehwag (India) – 319 | Chennai, 2008
At the top of the list stands one of the most explosive innings in Test history — Virender Sehwag’s 319 at Chennai in 2008. The ‘Nawab of Najafgarh’ batted with characteristic fearlessness, dismantling South Africa’s bowling attack with an array of blistering strokes.
Sehwag’s triple century came off just 278 balls, making it one of the fastest 300’s in Test cricket. His knock featured 42 fours and 5 sixes, and he reached his milestones — 100, 200, and 300 — all with boundary hits. It was an innings that redefined the art of opening in Test cricket and remains India’s highest individual score in the format.
As the 2025 Test series between India and South Africa approaches, fans hope to witness another round of batting brilliance that could rival these iconic performances.
