The cricketing world is buzzing as South Africa prepares to face reigning champions Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025. Dubbed the ‘Ultimate Test,’ this clash will determine who lifts the coveted mace for the next two years. And according to former India cricketer and astute batting coach Sanjay Bangar, this could be more than just a trophy for the Proteas; it could be their ‘eureka moment,’ much like India’s iconic 1983 World Cup victory.
Bangar, a JioStar expert, weighed in on the eve of the final, emphasizing the profound impact a WTC title could have on South African cricket. He pointed out that this year has seen several ‘underdogs’ clinching their maiden major titles across various sports. If South Africa were to emerge victorious against the formidable Australians, it would not only be a fantastic story for the relevance and importance of the WTC but also a huge catalyst for the sport within the nation.
“This is a year of underdogs, and it could be a very good story for the relevance and the importance of the World Test Championship,” Sanjay Bangar stated in response to an India Today query. “And also because what happens is that if you have a big win as a country, then that has the potential to galvanize the cricketing fraternity in that particular nation. So if that has to happen, it will be fantastic for the growth of South Africa.”
ALSO READ: Ruturaj Gaikwad Joins Yorkshire: Indian Star Set for County Stint
Bangar then drew a powerful parallel to India’s historic 1983 ODI World Cup triumph, suggesting that a WTC win could be that same transformative ‘eureka moment’ for the Proteas.
“They are a very proud sporting nation, and so far, the glory has, somehow, slipped away from them on critical occasions,” he elaborated. “But if these bunch of South African players can do that, then it will inspire a generation of young South African players, and there won’t be any dearth of talent. What they may require is a little bit of a eureka moment, which was the fact for India in 1983 that ‘yes we can go out and do very well on the world stage.’ So that is the significance from the South African point of view.”
It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, especially considering South Africa’s well-documented history of falling short in crucial ICC knockout matches. Their only major ICC title dates back to 1998, when they lifted the inaugural Champions Trophy in Bangladesh. For Temba Bavuma and his men, this WTC final presents a monumental opportunity to finally end a 27-year-long drought of close calls and heartbreaks.
However, Bangar was quick to acknowledge the immense challenge facing the Proteas. He delved into the strengths of the Australian squad, highlighting their complete lack of exploitable weak links. “As far as the weak links are concerned, I don’t see any weak links in Australia, very honestly, because they have some experienced batters, they have an experienced bowling attack,” Bangar observed. He further emphasized their formidable batting depth, noting that even tail-enders like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon can contribute significantly with the bat.
ALSO READ: Proteas Unleash WTC Final XI: Lungi Ngidi Returns, Batting Order Intrigues
“So it’s going to be hard work, but cricket is not played on reputation,” Bangar concluded with a touch of realism. “Players from both teams will have two chances in those two innings to be the performer. So let’s hope and see that if South Africa can do that, that’ll be brilliant for South African cricket.”
Indeed, snatching the WTC mace from Australia’s grasp will be a Herculean task. But if the Proteas can defy the odds in this ultimate Test, it wouldn’t just be another chapter in their cricketing history; it could very well be the glorious beginning of a golden era for South African cricket, inspiring generations to come. Do you believe this South African side has what it takes to seize their ‘eureka moment’?
