3 key lessons Team India can take from South Africa ahead of the upcoming test series against England

South Africa surprised everyone with an inspiring win over Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord's. The Proteas managed to shed their chokers tag by winning an ICC event after a long time. South Africa showcased tremendous temperament in challenging playing conditions with their committed resolve.

Team India is all set to play a five-match test series against England from next week, and this win can be a motivational source for Team India. Team India will find the playing conditions tough, as it is difficult to beat England at home. Team India can certainly learn from South Africa on how to prepare for a challenging task. We discuss three key points that India can learn from South Africa as far as taking on England in England is concerned:

1. Preparing in the right manner

South Africa prepared well ahead of the WTC final as most of their players were recalled from franchise tournaments, including the IPL. The results were clearly visible as pacer Kagiso Rabada had enough time to prepare, and he was the one who played a crucial role in the win. He took 9 wickets in the entire match. He didn't even play the playoffs for the Gujarat Titans. On the other hand, Aiden Markram didn't play the last league match for Lucknow Super Giants against RCB to join the national team.

His century in the fourth innings turned out to be crucial for South Africa. On the other hand, key Team India players couldn't get preparation time during the 2023 WTC final due to IPL commitments, while some Australian players didn't play the 2023 IPL to prepare for the 2023 WTC final, and the result was visible.  

2.Dealing with Injuries and the team rebuilding phase

Former South African captain Dean Elgar's retirement call after the home test series against India was surprising. It was South Africa's first series of a new cycle, due to which they had to go back to a backup plan, and they had to appoint Temba Bavuma in a very short time. The team needed time to adjust under the leadership of a new captain. South Africa could hardly match Team India in the WTC points table during that period, and the team lost to a New Zealand team, which had new players. Players like Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee and Nandre Burger's injuries gave the team management a tough time and they had to face problems while adding new players.

Players like Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Dane Paterson etc played their part during the entire WTC campaign. These players have added depth and enough options in the dugout. The Indian team is also in a similar situation in test cricket as they too are under a rebuilding phase in the five-day format after the retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. It would be interesting to see how they cope up with this phase that could define their position in the next WTC cycle.

Also See:Watch: South Africa lifts Test mace after winning WTC Final 2025

3. Adjusting to conditions

South Africa won the toss in the final and elected to bowl first, knowing that the conditions and wicket would aid the batters as the match progressed, even though the conditions were overcast on the first day. South African bowlers bowled well and managed to bowl Australia out for 212.

Team India had also won the toss in the 2023 WTC final, but their bowlers couldn't take the advantage and allowed Australia to score 469, even though they were 76/3 at one stage. On the third day, when there was sunshine, South African batters took full advantage of the wicket and adjusted to conditions well that allowed their batters to play their shots as the ball was coming onto the bat nicely. Australian bowlers found it difficult to bowl on the wicket.