India and South Africa share one of the most fiercely contested rivalries in modern Test cricket - a battle of skill, adaptability, and endurance that has evolved since their first encounter in 1992.
From
seaming tracks in Centurion to spinning dustbowls in Chennai, this rivalry has thrived on contrast - in conditions, styles, and philosophies of play.
Overall Head-to-Head Record
As of November 2025, India and South Africa have met in 44 Test matches, with the Proteas holding a narrow lead in the overall record:
| Team | Wins | Draws | Total Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 18 | 10 | 44 |
| India | 16 | 10 | 44 |
While South Africa have traditionally dominated at home, India have turned the tide in recent years, particularly in subcontinental conditions.
When playing in India, the hosts have the upper hand - winning 11 out of 19 Tests, with South Africa winning 5, and 3 ending in draws.
Recent Series and Notable Matches
The most recent Test series between the two sides was played in South Africa in January 2024, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
The second Test in Cape Town entered the record books as the shortest Test ever to produce a result - India won by seven wickets inside two days, wrapping up proceedings in just 642 balls. It was a remarkable contest that encapsulated the volatility and thrill of modern Test cricket.
Now, the rivalry resumes as India host South Africa for a two-match Test series starting November 14, 2025, with the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, part of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
Team Records: Highs and Lows
The rivalry has seen both towering batting performances and dramatic collapses.
Highest Team Totals:
India: 643/6d at Eden Gardens, 2010
South Africa: 620/4d at Centurion, 2010
Lowest Team Totals:
South Africa: 55 all out at Cape Town, 2024
India: 66 all out at Durban, 1996
Individual Batting Highlights
From Tendulkar's artistry to Kallis's dominance, the rivalry has produced enduring batting spectacles.
Jacques Kallis announced his peak form against India, scoring his maiden Test double century (201)* in Centurion in 2010 and following it up with 173 in Nagpur the same year.
Sourav Ganguly (87) and VVS Laxman (50) guided India to an 8-wicket win in Kanpur (2008), breaking a decade-long home drought against South Africa.
Sachin Tendulkar's 97 in a low-scoring Mumbai Test in 2000 stood out as a masterclass in restraint on a treacherous surface.
Murali Vijay accumulated 210 runs in a home series, showcasing patience against a hostile pace attack.
Virat Kohli, who has since retired from Test cricket, recorded his highest Test score against South Africa, underlining his dominance in the modern era.
Individual Bowling Highlights
If India's spin has spun webs at home, South Africa's pace battery has responded with fire abroad.
Dale Steyn's 5/23 in Ahmedabad (2008) remains one of the most lethal spells ever bowled on Indian soil. His eight wickets in the match handed South Africa an innings victory.
Harbhajan Singh's 4-wicket burst in Kanpur (2008) turned the tide, bowling South Africa out for 121 in the second innings.
Anil Kumble emerged as India's star during the 1992 South Africa tour, taking 18 wickets in four Tests at an average of 25.94 - a statement of skill in alien conditions.
Ravindra Jadeja achieved his 200th Test wicket against South Africa in 2019, a milestone in his all-round career.
Jasprit Bumrah's 5/54 in Johannesburg (2018) remains a defining performance, earning India a rare away Test win in South Africa.
R Ashwin, who has now retired from Tests, was India's lead spinner in multiple home series wins against the Proteas.
Player Status Update (as of November 2025)
The landscape of Indian cricket has shifted considerably in recent years:
Rohit Sharma has retired from Test and T20I cricket and now plays only ODIs as a specialist batter. He no longer captains India in any format.
Ravichandran Ashwin has retired from Test cricket after an illustrious career as one of India's most prolific spinners.
Virat Kohli has retired from Test cricket, marking the end of a golden generation that defined India's dominance in the format.
As the two nations gear up for another chapter beginning November 14, 2025, fans can expect the same hallmark of this rivalry: tough cricket, uncompromising spirit, and unforgettable moments that define Test cricket at its best.
