India has long been a powerhouse in Test cricket, yet South Africa remains the only frontier they haven’t conquered. Since their first tour in 1992, India have played nine Test series in the Rainbow Nation but are still searching for their maiden series victory. Out of 25 matches, they’ve managed just five wins, a statistic that continues to haunt Indian cricket’s otherwise glorious overseas record.
However, the 2017-18 series marked a turning point in India’s Test journey. Under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, India showcased newfound aggression and belief, bouncing back from early defeats to claim a memorable 63-run victory in Johannesburg. That win didn’t just avoid a whitewash — it became the foundation of India’s modern overseas success.
It was also the series where Jasprit Bumrah made his mark as a world-class fast bowler, proving that India could dominate even on pace-friendly tracks abroad.
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Former wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel recently reminisced about that iconic Test on Doordarshan’s The Great Indian Cricket Show, recalling how then-head coach Ravi Shastri’s fiery motivation set the tone for India’s fightback.
“Ravi Shastri sent me to open the innings in the second innings at Johannesburg. Normally, a coach gives technical advice about the pitch or conditions, but Ravi just looked at me and said, ‘Rabada ka kabada kar de!’” Parthiv Patel revealed with a laugh. “That’s Shastri for you — raw, direct, and full of energy. Imagine the impact that kind of motivation had on the rest of the dressing room.”
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The Johannesburg Test was a classic — played on a spicy Wanderers pitch with uneven bounce and brutal pace. Patel’s quick 16 at the top helped set the tone, while Mohammed Shami led the bowling attack brilliantly, dismantling South Africa’s batting lineup. India’s 63-run triumph wasn’t just a win — it symbolized resilience, character, and a new era of fearless Test cricket for the Men in Blue.
