South Africa’s Test captain, Temba Bavuma, under whom the Proteas won their maiden red-ball series in India, feels that the Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir, would be under tremendous pressure to handle the transition of the red-ball side. Bavuma steered the 2-0 Test series win over the blue brigade in November and reflected on how India remained a dominant ODI side. 

After losing the Test series, India returned in full force to win both the ODI and T20I series, where Bavuma pointed out the spark that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the two veterans of the game, brought to the 50-over format. At the same time, the same thing happened under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav in T20Is, along with the all-rounder Hardik Pandya and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

See Also: “Regret my previous comments…”- Harry Brook reacts to nightclub bouncer incident before Ashes 2025/26

“You saw how India performed in the ODI space with their two stalwarts, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, versus in the Test game, where those two weren’t available for selection. When it comes to the red-ball stuff, India is definitely a team in transition.” Bavuma wrote in his ESPNcricinfo column.

Temba Bavuma reflects on Gautam Gambhir's Test future in coaching

Bavuma remarked that Gambhir and his boys will need to find a way to get back to the best of Tests under the leadership of Shubman Gill. He felt that having Kohli and Rohit in the side on the road to the ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia would take pressure off Gambhir.

“India coach Gautam Gambhir has a lot of pressure on his shoulders, and I think he is going to have to take it as it comes. He is going to have to find a way to buy himself time in the red-ball game, and I’m of the view that the performances in white-ball cricket may assist him.” Bavuma penned down.

“In ODIs, Kohli and Rohit will naturally take on a lot more responsibility from a performance and leadership point of view. So I think Gambhir will be okay in terms of his position. However, from a red-ball point of view, it’s going to be tough for this Indian team in the near future.” He added.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the pitch rating for the first Test of the two-match Test series in November 2025, which Eden Gardens in Kolkata hosted. It massively helped the spinners, as the match ended inside three days. 

India vs South Africa 2025 Kolkata Test: India lost by 30 runs

The latest Kolkata Test between India and South Africa didn’t experience a 200+ total in four innings. After South Africa chose to bat first, they scored 159 all out, while the hosts India replied with 189 all out and earned a 30-run lead.

In their second innings, South Africa scored 153 runs, where the visiting captain Temba Bavuma scored a heroic half-century (55*), the only 40+ score in that Test match. Chasing down the 124-run target in the fourth innings, India were bundled out for only 93 runs, as South Africa won that Test match by 30 runs. 

It was South Africa’s first Test win in India after 15 years, where the 36-year-old off-spinner Simon Harmer won the Player of the Match award for taking eight wickets in the game, four wickets in each innings (4/30 & 4/21). Ultimately, South Africa won the two-match Test series by 2-0, which was their second Test series in India, first in 25 years. 

See Also: Ashes 2025-26 MCG Boxing Day Test pitch controversy: ICC rating revealed

Eden Gardens in Kolkata received "satisfactory" pitch rating

The ICC match referee Richie Richardson has brought the "satisfactory" rating for the Kolkata Test pitch. It means that the Test pitch has passed ICC’s pitch expectation level, as the venue received the second level of the ICC’s four-tier pitch rating system.

Despite several criticisms, including those of the former Indian captain and the present Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President Sourav Ganguly, the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir was happy with the pitch condition, as he clarified that the team wanted a similar kind of pitch. 

The South Africa Test captain, Temba Bavuma, who scripted history by winning the away two-match Test series against India by a margin of 0-2 with victories in Kolkata and Guwahati, broke the silence on the incident which involved the ‘Bauna’ remark from the opposition pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, and wicket-keeper, Rishabh Pant.

It happened during the opening clash at the Eden Gardens, where, midway through a review discussion for a leg before the stumps call on Bavuma, both Jasprit Bumrah and Pant referred to the SA captain as a dwarf, with the stump microphone picking it up before the matter got escalated on social media. 

See Also: Watch: Naseem Shah roasts his team Desert Vipers during ILT20 2025-26

“I know from my side, there was an incident where they said something in their language about me. At the end of the day, two senior players, Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah, came and apologised. When the apology was made, I was in the dark about what it was about; I hadn’t heard it at the time, and I needed to check in with our media manager about it.” Bavuma expressed during an interaction on ESPNcricinfo.

Temba Bavuma breaks silence of Jasprit Bumrah’s ‘Bauna’ remark

Bavuma revealed that he didn’t hear what Bumrah and Pant discussed during the review. But he understood that something had been murmured before the media manager highlighted the point and had to check up. The right-handed person would be better off letting the matter go.

“Shukri also took some heat for his 'grovel' remark. I was put under pressure by the media on that side, asking me to clarify the comments that were made. I thought Shukri was the man best positioned to give context to it all. The first time I heard about it, it had that unsavory taste to it.” Bavuma noted in that same interview.

“I think it just reminded me how tough and competitive the Test series was and what it meant to certain individuals within the group. Shukri spoke after the ODI series and put that issue to bed. In hindsight, he said he could have chosen a better word, and I agree with him.” The former SA captain concluded.

South Africa’s head coach, Shukri Conrad, has dropped a massive statement on India’s all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, post their 3-1 series defeat in the five-match T20I series against the Blue Brigade, due to their 30-run defeat in the final clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Hardik smashed his very first delivery over the long-on region for a massive six to get going and continued the same momentum to end with a fine knock of 63 runs in just 25 balls at a strike rate of 252, thanks to five boundaries and as many sixes. Tilak Varma clubbed 73 runs in 42 balls at a strike rate of 173.81.

See Also: Watch: Virat Kohli starts preparation for Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025/26 in Alibaug as video goes viral

“Taking nothing away from (Jasprit) Bumrah, I think Hardik has been the difference in the two teams. His knock tonight was the difference between us winning and losing. He played a knock in the first one as well, where he just walked in, and we had him in a little bit of trouble.” Conrad expressed in the post-match press conference.

Shukri Conrad praises Hardik Pandya’s brutal batting

Apart from Hardik, Bumrah also contributed massively in the contest with a magical bowling figure of 2/17 in four overs at an economy rate of 4.20. India, having put 231 on the board, restricted the Proteas to 201. Hardik highlighted his mindset with the bat during the powerful knock.

“Look, there’s a reason why he’s one of the best in the world in this format (and) his performances have been right up there. I don’t know who the man of the series is out there, but I’ll be very surprised if it’s not him.” Conrad noted to the reporters.

“Winning games is what you play for, and it’s always exciting when your contribution helps the team get over the line. I actually told my partner beforehand that I was going to step out first ball and try to hit it for six. I was confident it would come off. The situation suited my style; I backed myself, and it worked. I took a calculated risk, and thankfully it went my way.” Pandya addressed in the post-match presentation. 

The dressing videos of Team India always attract Indian cricket fans, as these videos show the bond between the team members. There can be many speculations on social media platforms about the bonds between the players, but these videos depict the reality. BCCI shared a special video after the India vs South Africa 5th match in Ahmedabad.

India won the match by 30 runs after scoring 231 runs in the first innings. Tilak Varma played a crucial role behind India's dominating result. With the win last night, the hosts claimed the 5-match T20I series by 3-1. In the fifth match at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Varma registered 73 off 42 with 10 boundaries and one 6. After the match, the middle-order batter received a special medal from Raghavindraa Raghu, training assistant of Team India, in the dressing room.

Raghu is one of the unsung heroes behind the team's recent success. In a warm gesture, before receiving the medal, Varma went down on his knees to touch Raghu's feet. The moment steals every cricket fan's heart as the batter showed true respect to Raghu. Along with Tilak, Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah and other players of the playing XI contributed behind the Men in Blue's emphatic win in a must-win game.

Read More: Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah set to miss IND vs NZ ODI series: Report

Watch more when Tilak Varma touches Raghu's feet

ONCE AGAIN THE GOLDEN WORDS FROM UNSUNG HERO OF TEAM INDIA RAGHU.🇮🇳❤️

And thank you, Tilak Varma, for giving Raghu the respect and love that he truly deserves.🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/PbxuqBVCt6

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) December 20, 2025

Before the match, the scoreline was 2-1 for India, which means if South Africa could win the match, then the series would be summed up in a draw. After the conclusion of the India vs. South Africa multi-format series, focus will be gradually shifted to the upcoming India vs. New Zealand limited-overs series, where these two teams will collide for a 3-match ODI series and a 5-match T20I series.

The T20I series is going to be very crucial for both of the teams because of the T20I World Cup, which is scheduled to start in February next year.

A fresh injury of vice-captain Shubman Gill opened the gates for Sanju Samson to be a part of India's playing XI in Ahmedabad for the 5th of the 5-match T20I series against South Africa. After the match, a gesture of Samson melted the hearts of cricket fans. 

Sanju Samson was with the squad from the beginning of the T20I series, but mainly as a benchwarmer. Then, a day before the fifth match, reports emerged about Gill's injury, which allowed Samson to play the remaining match, and that too as an opener. During the Asia Cup 2025, Samson got to play matches as a middle-order batter, which was his unusual position. But still, the keeper-batter is always up to prove his cog in the setup. 

With Sanju and Abhishek Sharma on the top of the batting order, Team India got a flying start in Ahmedabad. Sanju got 37 off 22, and India eventually won the match as they registered 231/5 in the first innings. Indian cricket fans thoroughly enjoyed the pristine form of the batter. 

Read More: Watch: Hardik Pandya personally checks and hugs injured cameraman whom he injured during IND vs SA 5th T20I

Watch the moment when Sanju Samson gifted his gloves to little fans 

Sanju Samson gifted his gloves to the 2 little kids in Ahmedabad.

The humbleness and kindness of Sanju make him so special 🫡❤️pic.twitter.com/8fVJgAHQD9

— Tejash (@Tejashyyyyy) December 20, 2025

After the match, when the keeper-batter was about to go inside the pavilion, he noticed two little fans calling his name from the front row of the gallery. Sanju changed his route and went straight towards the gallery to meet up with the young fans. Next, what happened could be a long-term memory for two boys.

Sanju came with his pads and gloves near the fence and gifted his gloves to the little boys. The heartwarming moment is now surfacing on social media platforms. After the conclusion of the multi-format series against South Africa, Team India will be gearing up for their next assignment, which will be against New Zealand. 

Hardik Pandya was in a brutal mood during the fifth T20I of the five-match series against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where he blazed a powerful knock of 63 runs in 25 balls with the help of five massive sixes, one of which smashed the shoulder of the cameraman, operating on the edge of the boundary rope.

Nonetheless, it will be a moment that the camera will recall and keep in mind for a long time as Hardik rushed over to check on the cameraman after the end of the Indian innings. The all-rounder proceeded to take a look at the bruising, helping apply the ice-pack the cameraman had been provided as the first aid by the Indian side.

See Also: Watch: Shivam Dube’s one-handed stunning catch dismisses Reeza Hendricks in IND vs SA 5th T20I

Hardik also shared a beer hug by way of apology for the damage he had accidentally caused. It felt like a nasty bruise straightaway that needed tending to by the Indian team’s physio in an effort to get some quick and sharp medical attention for him to get fully recovered.

Hardik Pandya hugs injured cameraman in Ahmedabad

The camera operator had been capturing the footage of the Indian dugout, which also saw the head coach of the Blue Brigade, Gautam Gambhir, asking the management to offer water to the cameraman. Pandya and Tilak Varma’s swashbuckling knocks fired India to 231/5 in their allotted 20 overs.

Watch the video here: 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 45 (@hitman.edits47)

“Winning games is what you play for, and it’s always exciting when your contribution helps the team get over the line. I actually told my partner beforehand that I was going to step out first ball and try to hit it for six. I was confident it would come off. The situation suited my style; I backed myself, and it worked. I took a calculated risk, and thankfully it went my way.” Pandya addressed in the post-match presentation.

In reply to India’s massive first innings, the Proteas ended with 201/8 in their 20 overs and ended up losing the contest by 30 runs. Hardik became the player of the match as India earned the series victory by a 3-1 margin.

A target of 232 is always massive despite the fast-paced nature of Twenty20 cricket. For the 5th match of India vs. South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Team India went to bat first and registered 231 runs against only 5 wickets. The South Africa batters tried their level best in the second innings, but they could get 201 runs in their 20-over limit. Thus, India won the fifth and the final match of the contest by 30 runs and claimed the series by a 3-1 margin. 

Toss and first innings:

South Africa skipper Aiden Markram won the toss and decided to bowl first. Though, according to stats, teams batting first have better winning chances at this venue. 

Markram's decision took very little time to prove wrong, as Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson were in fine touch from the beginning. Samson was in the match in place of injured Shubman Gill. For the opening wicket, the hosts notched up 63 runs. Tilak Varma, who knew the ground very well, claimed 73 off 42, followed by Hardik Pandya's 63 off 25. Apart from the experienced pacer Lungi Ngidi, the remaining bowling attack of South Africa turned out very costly in this match. 

Read More: Watch: Sanju Samson's well-connected shot hit umpire's knee during IND vs SA 5th T20I

Second innings: 

South Africa started the run chase in a promising way with Quinton de Kock as an in-form opener. Dewald Brevis also joined him with his natural attacking batting style. But the middle order of the team collapsed easily against the Indian bowling attack. Varun Chakravarthy took 4 wickets, a brace for Jasprit Bumrah in the process. Captain Suryakumar Yadav utilized Bumrah during the mid-phase of the second innings, and it worked well for Team India. South Africa, after losing 8 scalps, got 201 runs, which was a very good total but not enough for winning today's match.

IND vs SA 5th T20I scorecard in brief:

India: 231/5

South Africa:201/8 (20)

While the fifth and final game of the India vs South Africa T20I series at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was running on the wire in the high-scoring encounter, Varun Chakravarthy and Jasprit Bumrah strongly put the hosts in control. After Bumrah and Hardik Pandya dismissed two set Proteas batters Quinton de Kock and Dewald Brevis, Varun then took charge of the game by taking two back-to-back wickets, as the hosts then controlled the game completely. 

It was the 13th over when Varun Chakravarthy brought his magic with two wickets in consecutive deliveries. While Varun delivered his first over in the seventh over of the innings, he provided India's first breakthrough by dismissing opener Reeza Hendricks (13) and conceded only three runs. However, in his next over, the leggie conceded 23 runs, including two sixes and two fours. 

Watch: Tilak-Hardik smash 27 runs in George Linde's final over in IND vs SA 5th T20I

Varun Chakravarthy took two back-to-back wickets

Varun returned in the 13th over, where he conceded a four to Aiden Markram on the second delivery. However, on the next delivery, he dismissed Markram (6) through an lbw, as he had an unsuccessful paddle attempt. While Markram went for a review to challenge the on-field umpire's decision, he had no luck as the impact was umpire's call, and the out decision stayed.  

On the next ball, Varun bowled Donovan Ferreira with a beautiful delivery. That put India under control, as South Africa were struggling at 135/5 in the chase of 232 runs. 

THE X FACTOR INDIA - VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY...!!! 😍💪 pic.twitter.com/OQqYwMmgu1

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 19, 2025

Varun Chakravarthy took four wickets

George Linde defended the hat-trick ball, and Varun dismissed him in his next over, as the Indian leg-spinner had the bowling figures of 4-0-53-4. 

In reply to India’s 231 in the first innings of the fifth T20I of the five-match series between India and South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, South Africa made a brutal start in their chase as Quinton De Kock celebrated his 50 in just 30 deliveries. The Proteas took on all the Indian bowlers and managed to put pressure on them.

Something very special was needed from India to break the opening partnership, and Shivam Dube provided them with the same thing. On the third delivery of the seventh over, Reeza Hendricks flicked Varun Chakravarthy into the leg side, where Dube ran to his left and plunked it out of thin air with his left hand.

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It was a superb catch from the Indian all-rounder, who was not in control while taking the catch. Hendricks’s struggling knock off 13 runs in 12 deliveries ended, which was decorated with only one boundary. South Africa ended with 99/1 in nine overs to get the perfect start in the chase.

Shivam Dube’s one-handed spectacular catch goes viral

Earlier in the game, India made a massive score of 231 in their allotted 20 overs thanks to Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya’s 104-run partnership in just 44 deliveries for the fourth wicket, which provided them the platform for the massive score. The latter smashed 63 runs in 25 balls at a strike rate of 252 with the help of five boundaries and five sixes.

Watch the video here: 

𝗜. 𝗖. 𝗬. 𝗠. 𝗜

Need a wicket? Call Varun Chakaravarthy 😎

Shivam Dube with a brilliant catch as #TeamIndia have the 1⃣st wicket 🙌

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/kw4LKLNSl3#INDvSA | @IamShivamDube | @chakaravarthy29 | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/WrDU6bI0uh

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 19, 2025

Meanwhile, Tilak nailed 70 runs in just 42 deliveries at a strike rate of 173.81 with the help of ten boundaries and one six. Even their opening batters, Sanju Samson and Abhisek Sharma, were exceptional in their respective 30+ run knocks at a strike rate of more than 160.

The message was clear from the dressing room as all the batters went hard from the very first delivery of their innings. India had already taken an unassailable lead of 2-1 in the series after their victories in Cuttack and Dharamshala, following a defeat in New Chandigarh.