The historic rivalry between India and South Africa is once again set to thrill cricket enthusiasts. A two-match Test series between the two teams will commence from November 14, 2025. The first match will be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, while the second Test will be held in Guwahati.
Sports News: The two-match Test series between India and South Africa will begin on November 14. The first match of this series will be played at Kolkata's prestigious Eden Gardens ground, while the second and final Test will be held in Guwahati. South Africa is in splendid form, having recently won the World Test Championship (WTC) title, and under the captaincy of Temba Bavuma, the team's confidence is at its peak.
On the other hand, the Indian team recently defeated West Indies on home soil and its next goal is to overcome the reigning WTC champions, South Africa. Under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, Team India is ready to deliver a b performance in the series with a balance of youthful energy and experience.
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 1,741 Runs
Sachin Tendulkar, often hailed as the 'God of Cricket', is the most successful batsman in India-South Africa Test history. Tendulkar scored 1,741 runs in 25 Test matches. During this period, he notched up 7 centuries and 5 half-centuries, maintaining a batting average of 42.46. His best individual score against South Africa was 169 runs. This was the era when Tendulkar demonstrated his class and technique against Proteas fast-bowling legends like Glenn McGrath, Dale Steyn, and Shaun Pollock.
Playing in the 'number 10' jersey, Sachin Tendulkar still holds the record for scoring the most runs in India-South Africa encounters — a record that remains unbroken to this day.
2. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 1,734 Runs
South Africa's legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis holds the second position on this list. Kallis scored 1,734 runs in 18 Test matches against India, including 7 centuries and 5 half-centuries. Kallis's batting average was 69.36 — which demonstrates his dominance over Indian bowlers. His best score was an unbeaten 201 runs*, which he made against India in Durban. Kallis proved to be a threat to India not only with the bat but also with the ball, making him one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history.
3. Hashim Amla (South Africa) – 1,528 Runs
Hashim Amla, South Africa's dependable batsman, is third on this list. Amla scored 1,528 runs in 21 Test matches against India. This includes 5 centuries and 7 half-centuries, while his average was 43.65. Amla's best score against India is an unbeaten 253 runs, which he made in Nagpur. In that innings, he completely wore down the Indian bowlers and led his team to a historic victory.
4. Virat Kohli (India) – 1,408 Runs
Former captain of the Indian cricket team and a great batsman of the modern era, Virat Kohli, is ranked fourth on this list. Kohli has scored 1,408 runs in 16 Test matches against South Africa. During this period, he hit 3 centuries and 5 half-centuries, maintaining an average of 54.15 — which is highly impressive. Kohli's best individual score is an unbeaten 254 runs*, which he achieved in a Pune Test.
Kohli's batting has displayed a unique blend of aggression and technique. His performances against South Africa's fast bowlers — Steyn, Ngidi, and Rabada — have always been thrilling for cricket fans.
5. AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 1,334 Runs
Former South African captain and 'Mr. 360 Degree' of cricket, AB de Villiers, completes this top-5 list. ABD scored 1,334 runs in 20 Test matches against India, including 3 centuries and 6 half-centuries. His batting average was 39.23. His best score was an unbeaten 217 runs*, which he played in Ahmedabad. De Villiers' innings troubled India's bowlers, and his shot selection mesmerized the spectators.
