South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad was full of praise for his team after they secured a historic 30-run victory over India in the opening Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The win, achieved on a dramatically turning surface, was not just their first Test win in India in more than 15 years—it signalled a significant evolution in South Africa’s approach to cricket in the subcontinent. Long viewed as a team overly reliant on pace and seam-friendly conditions, South Africa’s dominance with spin in this Test was a standout feature.
“We are thrilled that we can come here with a quality pack of spinners,” said Shukri Conrad in the post-match media briefing. “It was always an area where we were found wanting, but now there’s been a mindset change. It’s about backing spin bowlers and having belief in their ability.”
This new spin-centric strategy has deep roots. South Africa first embraced the idea during their tour of Pakistan earlier this year, where they fielded a three-pronged spin attack. Senuran Muthusamy, who excelled in Pakistan with 11 wickets and a Player of the Series award, did not play in Kolkata but remains a key part of the squad.
Shukri Conrad highlighted how these efforts are not just short-term tactics: “This will do wonders for our game. Our youngsters can now see a clear pathway—South Africa is not just a fast-bowling country anymore.”
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The Eden Gardens win, according to Conrad, ranks right up there with their ICC World Test Championship triumph over Australia at Lord’s earlier this year. “This was right up there for us,” he affirmed. “It’s not easy coming here. The demands are immense, and I am so proud of how the team pulled together. We never give up. This win is huge for our belief.”
Key to the victory was captain Temba Bavuma, who scored an unbeaten 55 in the second innings to guide South Africa to a defendable target of 124. It was Bavuma’s first outing since suffering a calf injury during the WTC final.
“Having our best player back brings calmness,” said Conrad. “He’s been one of the best players in the world over the last 18 months. His partnership with Corbin Bosch was crucial – that was the difference between the two sides.” Simon Harmer, the veteran off-spinner, was the backbone of South Africa’s bowling effort, returning match figures of 8/79 to earn the Player of the Match award. Harmer’s resurgence in international cricket is a redemption story.
Shukri Conrad recalled, “When Simon called a few months ago asking for another chance, I was desperate to have him back. He’s now a key part of our plans.” Despite celebrating the victory, Conrad remained focused: “The job’s not done. We didn’t come here to win a Test match; we came to win a series. Guwahati will present its own challenges, but we’re quietly confident.”
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He also addressed the stump-mic controversy involving Jasprit Bumrah and Bavuma, who was referred to using the Hindi term “bauna” (dwarf). Conrad concluded with dignity: “Thankfully, he [Bavuma] has a heart like a giant. We’ll leave it at that.”
With South Africa now leading 1-0 in the two-match series, all eyes turn to the second Test in Guwahati, where they’ll aim to claim a rare series win on Indian soil.
