The cricket world is ready for another exciting chapter of mutual rivalry India And South AfricaBoth the teams are preparing to face each other in a two-match Test series starting from November 14 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. This series promises to be an interesting contest between two teams full of young talent and experienced campaigners.
India has got a big boost from the return of Rishabh Pant For the red ball format. Pant’s aggressive batting style and wicket-keeping skills add depth and energy to the Indian side. Similarly, the Proteas team will also be excited by the return of their captain. Temba BavumaWho recently took part in two unofficial Test matches between India A and South Africa A and gained valuable match practice before the main event.
Historically, South Africa hold a slight edge in Test head-to-head encounters, having won 18 out of 44 matches, while India have won 16. The remaining 10 Tests ended in draws, showing how close this rivalry has been over the years.
Star batsmen will take center stage in the 2025 series
As anticipation grows ahead of the first Test, the focus naturally turns to the star-studded batting line-ups of both sides. For India, Captain Shubman Gill Will be in the headlines after the sensational tour of EnglandWhere he emerged as the leading run-scorer and led from the front with maturity and flair.
He will be supported by a dynamic group of batsmen – vice-captain Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Devdutt PadikkalAnd Dhruv Jurel -Each is capable of turning the match on its head.
South Africa, on the other hand, have an exciting mix of youth and experience in their batting arsenal. choice of Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brewis, Tony De Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan StubbsAnd captain Bavuma will be expected to deliver consistent performances in subcontinental conditions.
With batting units of such caliber, fans can expect fireworks – and possibly some record-breaking innings – as both teams compete for early dominance in the series.
5 batsmen with highest individual scores in India vs South Africa Test
Over the years, the India-South Africa rivalry has produced many unforgettable batting masterclasses. From brilliant stroke-makers to power hitters, both the countries have seen their stars etch their names in the history books. Let’s take a look back at the top five highest individual scores in India vs South Africa Tests – innings that defined matches and left an indelible mark on cricket fans around the world.
5) Mayank Agarwal (India) – 215 | Visakhapatnam, 2019
On 2 October 2019, Mayank Agarwal Announced his arrival in spectacular style with a brilliant double century against South Africa in Visakhapatnam. opening the innings together Rohit SharmaAgarwal displayed amazing composure and temperament as he demolished the Proteas bowling attack with brilliant drives and confident pulls.
His innings of 215 runs played in 371 balls with the help of 23 fours and 6 sixes laid the foundation of India’s strong score. The partnership between Agarwal and Rohit played a key role in helping India win big. It was a fresh innings for the Karnataka batsman, proving his ability to excel equally against quality pace and spin.
4) AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 217 | Ahmedabad, 2008
in 2008, AB de Villiers Produced a batting masterclass in Ahmedabad, putting South Africa in a dominant position with an unbeaten 217. Known for his versatility and innovation, de Villiers combined solid defense with excellent timing to blunt India’s bowling attack.
His innings was a perfect blend of patience and accuracy – he hit 17 fours and 2 sixes and completed his innings beautifully in 480 balls. This double century not only helped South Africa post huge scores but also highlighted De Villiers’ adaptability to Indian conditions, where he tackled spin and reverse swing expertly. The Proteas also won by an innings and 90 runs.
Also read: IND vs SA 2025: South Africa’s test record on Indian soil
3) Hashim Amla (South Africa) – 253 | Nagpur, 2010*
Few innings in Test history match that level and composure Hashim Amla253 runs unbeaten in Nagpur. The handsome right-hander displayed superb technique, using soft hands and precise footwork to dominate the Indian attack.
Batting for over 11 hours, Amla scored 253 not out, hitting 22 fours and being at the crease for 473 balls. His great effort put South Africa in a position of complete control, helping them secure an innings victory. This knock is one of the most patient and aesthetically pleasing double centuries ever scored on Indian soil. The match witnessed complete dominance by the spectators and South Africa won by an innings and 6 runs.
2)Virat Kohli (India) – 254 | Pune, 2019*
When? Virat Kohli He is at his best, he doesn’t just score runs – he controls the game. His breathtaking unbeaten inning of 254 in Pune during the 2019 series against South Africa was a perfect example of controlled aggression and sustained concentration.
Batting for over seven hours, Kohli played an unexpected innings with the help of 33 fours and 2 sixes. He carried on with his innings beautifully – cautious initially and devastating later – taking India to a huge score. His double century confirmed his reputation as one of the most brilliant and technically sound batsmen in modern cricket and helped India win by an innings and 137 runs.
1) Virender Sehwag (India) – 319 | Chennai, 2008
Topping the list is one of the most explosive innings in Test history – Virender Sehwag319 runs in Chennai in 2008. The ‘Nawab of Najafgarh’ batted with characteristic fearlessness, and decimated the South African bowling attack with explosive strokes.
Sehwag’s triple century came off just 278 balls, becoming one of the fastest 300 in Test cricket. His innings included 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 it remains India’s highest individual score in this format.
As the 2025 Test series between India and South Africa approaches, fans are hoping to see another round of batting talent that can rival these iconic performances.
Also read: IND vs SA: 5 South African players who can trouble India in the upcoming test series