India has played 9 test series in South Africa so far and lost 7 of them. India registered a draw in 2011 under MS Dhoni's captaincy and Rohit Sharma's men repeated that in the 2024 series. The Men in Blues have won only five test matches in the country so far. The final leg of the SA vs IND 2023-24 saw the two teams take the field in the first Test match on December 26 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. Then, they faced at Cape Town for the second match which concluded India's South Africa tour. Let's look at India's Test Record in South Africa.

Also Read: SA vs IND: India's ODI Bilateral Series performances in South Africa

India's maiden tour of South Africa in 1992-93 ended in a 1-0 defeat. The Indian cricket team played a total of four Test matches on the tour. The series-opener and the second game ended in a tie. The hosts won the third Test by 9 wickets in Port Elizabeth before the fourth match also ended in a draw. Mohammad Aharuddin was India's captain in the series and he failed to deliver in their first test series in South Africa.

India suffered a 2-0 defeat in their second Test series against South Africa in 1996-97. Sachin Tendulkar-led side was destroyed in the series opener as they lost the game by 328 runs before losing the second game by a big margin of 282 runs. India managed to draw the third and final Test to avoid a clean sweep. But, it was nothing but a consolation draw.

This was Sourav Ganguly's first Test series in South Africa as the captain of India. The visitors got off to an abysmal start in the two-match test series. India lost the first Test in Bloemfontein by nine wickets but managed to get a draw in the next game to suffer a 1-0 defeat. It was South Africa's third consecutive test series victory over India in their home soil.

The 2001-02 Test Series is also remembered till date due some other incident too. Match referee Mike Denness, a former England captain, found six India players guilty of various offenses during the second test match of India's 2001 tour of South Africa, played at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth. The severity of Denness's punishment of an unprecedented six players was viewed by the Indian media as motivated by racism, outraged the general public, and remains controversial to this day.

India registered their first-ever Test victory in South Africa when the visitors defeated the Proteas by 123 runs in the series-opener at Johannesburg under the wall, Rahul Dravid. It was a dominant performance from the Indian team. However, South Africa bounced back to win their next two games on the trot and take the series 2-1 giving India another heartbreak on South African soil.

India managed to draw a Test series in South Africa for the first time under the captaincy of MS Dhoni in 2011. India lost the first Test of the three-match series by an innings and 25 runs but won the second Test with an 87-run victory. The third and final game ended in a draw as the series ended 1-1.

India had the best chance at registering their first-ever Test series win in South Africa in 2013. The first Test of the two-match series had ended in a draw and India could have won the series if they won the next game. However, the hosts dominated the Men in Blues and won by ten wickets to win the series 1-0.

Virat Kohli's first-ever Test series as India's captain in South Africa ended in a 2-1 defeat. South Africa won the first two games comfortably by 72 runs and 135 runs respectively to clinch the series before India won the consolation third and final Test by 63 runs.

India won the first Test by 113 runs to win their first-ever Test match at Centurion Park. It was Quinton de Kock's final Test match after he announced his retirement from Test cricket. South Africa won the second Test by seven wickets to level the series. It was the first time South Africa had beaten India in a Test match at the Wanderers Stadium. The Proteas also won the third and final Test by seven wickets, to win the series 2–1. Virat Kohli announced that he had stepped down as India's captain in Test cricket after the test series loss.

South Africa destroyed the Indian batting line-up to claim victory by an inning and 32 runs in the first Test, securing the victory in just three days. Kl Rahul's fighting century helped India put up a total of 245. The Proteas' bowling attack dismissed India for 131 in their second innings after South Africa had earlier scored 408 courtesy of Dean Elgar's magnificent knock of 185. The Proteas took a 163-run first-innings lead. Virat Kohli fought alone in the second inning and scored 76 but it wasn't enough. Debutant Nandre Burger took four wickets, Marco Jansen three, and Kagiso Rabada two in the second innings.

The second test match was held at Newlands in Cape Town. This was the first test of 2024, which ended in just five sessions. South Africa batted first and were bowled out for the lowest total at home of 55 runs in 23.2 overs courtesy of Siraj's 6-wicket haul. India started well but later lost the last six wickets without a run. Only Virat Kohli (46 runs) put up some score to help India get a lead of 98 runs. India managed to score only 153 runs in 34.5 overs.

In reply, South Africa got all out for 176 runs in 36.5 overs as Bumrah scalped 6 wickets but Aiden Markram scored a fearless century and fought alone for his side. India had a target of 79 runs which they chased in 12 overs and won the match comfortably by 7 wickets. Overall this game was completed in 107 overs, making it the shortest test match in the history of cricket.

Indian men’s cricket team is ready to host reigning World Test Championship (WTC) holders South Africa in a two-match Test series, starting at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 14. The upcoming two-match Test series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship 2025-27. Led by Shubman Gill, India will aim to bag crucial home points with eyes on the top 2 spot in order to secure qualification for the WTC 2027 final scheduled to be held at the Lord's Cricket Ground in June 2027.

India have enjoyed a solid run of form this year, playing eight matches with four wins, three losses, and one draw. One of those defeats came during a tough tour of Australia, but the team has bounced back impressively since then. They managed a 2-2 draw in England and followed it up with a 2-0 series win over the West Indies. 

The World Test Champions had a mixed start to their campaign, losing the first Test against Pakistan but responding strongly with a win in the second. This tour to India features one of the strongest South African sides in recent years.

Also Read: Most Runs in India vs South Africa Test Series

India vs South Africa | Head-to-head Record in Test

South Africa and India have a very close head-to-head record in Test cricket. Since South Africa’s readmission to international cricket in 1991, these two sides have clashed in 44 Test matches so far. South Africa hold a tiny edge with 18 wins, while India won 16 Tests, and 10 Tests between them ended in a draw.

India vs South Africa | Last Five Tests Results

Over the last five Test series between the two nations, both India and South Africa have won two series each, with one series ending in a draw. Home advantage has clearly played a key role in the outcomes.

The 2023/24 two-match Test series in South Africa ended in a draw, with each team winning one match. South Africa won the first Test by an innings and 32 runs, while India clinched the second by 7 wickets.

South Africa won two series on home soil. In 2017/18, they defeated India 2-1 in a three-match series. Again in 2021/22, the Proteas won another three-match series 2-1 at home.

India has also claimed two series at home. In 2015/16, India won a four-match series 3-0, with one match drawn. In 2019/20, India swept South Africa 3-0 in a three-match series.

Also Read: Most Wickets in India vs South Africa Test Series

Every India vs South Africa Test Series Results

India and South Africa will lock horns in a two-match Test series, starting at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday. The Proteas last toured India for a Test series back in 2019, when the host blanked them 3-0. 

Talking about recent form in Test cricket, India ushered in the Shubman Gill era with a 2-2 draw in England and a 2-0 sweep over the West Indies at home. Meanwhile, the Proteas levelled 1-1 in Pakistan last month to kick off the defense of the ICC World Test Championship crown. This series is vital for both sides as they look to move up in the ICC WTC standings.

So, before the start of the series, let's have a look at the bowlers with most wickets in India vs South Africa Test series.

Also Read: Most Runs in India vs South Africa Test Series

Most Wickets in India vs South Africa Test Series

5. Morne Morkel | 58 Wickets

Across 31 innings against India, Morne Morkel took 58 wickets at an average of 26.41 and a strike rate of 53.77. However, Morkel took only one five-wicket haul against India. His only five-for came in the first Test in 2010 in Centurion. Morkel, who made his Test debut against India, intimidated the Indian batters through most of his career.

4. Harbhajan Singh | 60 Wickets

Harbhajan Singh is the 4th highest wicket-taker in India vs South Africa test cricket history. With an average of 28.40, Bhajji grabbed 60 wickets in 11 matches against South Africa. In 2004, Harbhajan returned with 7 for 87 at the historic Eden Gardens stadium.

3. Javagal Srinath | 64 Wickets

Former Indian fast bowler, Javagal Srinath comes in 2nd place on the list of taking the most Test wickets for India against South Africa. Srinath played 13 matches and bagged 64 wickets. During his career, Srinath took 4 out of his 10 five-wicket hauls against the Proteas, with his best against them being 6/21 in Ahmedabad in 1996.

2. Dale Steyn | 65 Wickets

South Africa’s aggressive fast bowler Dale Steyn has taken 65 wickets in just 14 matches at a bowling average of 21.53. Dale Steyn always wreaked havoc against India and is the most successful Protea bowler against the Asian giants. Interestingly, Steyn went wicketless just four times out of the 23 innings he bowled against India. His best performance came in Nagpur in 2010, when he claimed 10 wickets for 108 runs as the visitors won the game by a huge margin of an innings and 6 runs.

Also Read: Most Wickets in Test Cricket in 2025

1. Anil Kumble | 84 Wickets

Great leg spinner Anil Kumble tops the list with 84 wickets in 40 innings of 21 Test matches. Kumble took five wickets in an innings thrice in these matches. With 3 five-wicket hauls, Kumble's brilliant performance came in 1992 in Johannesburg, 6/53. Kumble was a part of the Indian team, that won the first-ever test match in South Africa in 2006.

India and South Africa will lock horns in a two-match Test series, starting at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday. The Proteas last toured India for a Test series back in 2019, when the host blanked them 3-0. 

Talking about recent form in Test cricket, India ushered in the Shubman Gill era with a 2-2 draw in England and a 2-0 sweep over the West Indies at home. Meanwhile, the Proteas levelled 1-1 in Pakistan last month to kick off the defense of the ICC World Test Championship crown. This series is vital for both sides as they look to move up in the ICC WTC standings.

So, before the start of the series, let's have a look at the batters with most runs in India vs South Africa Test series.

Also Read: Most Test Centuries in Cricket History

Most Runs in India vs South Africa Test Series

5. AB de Villiers | 1334 Runs

Former South African captain and 'Mr. 360 Degree' of cricket, AB de Villiers, completes this top-5 list. AB de scored 1,334 runs in 20 Test matches at an average of 39.23 against India, including 3 centuries and 6 half-centuries. 

His best score was an unbeaten 217 runs, which he played in Ahmedabad in 2008. This remains one of the finest innings played on Indian soil by a visiting batsman. This was also his first double century in Test cricket. This innings was played at a time when India was a strong team at home and facing legendary spinners like Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble. Amla and de Villiers combined to put the Indian bowlers on the back foot, helping South Africa to an innings victory by scoring 494 runs in the first innings.

4. Virat Kohli | 1408 Runs

Virat Kohli has been one of India’s most consistent performers against South Africa in Test cricket, scoring 1,408 runs in 28 innings at an impressive average of 54.15, including 3 centuries and 5 fifties.

Kohli’s highest score of 254* against the proteas came in Pune (2019). He played this innings while captaining the Indian Test team. He completely demolished the opposition, leading India to over 600 runs and win the match by an innings. Kohli is the only Indian captain to have won a Test series 3-0 against South Africa. This happened in 2019 when India hosted South Africa. He's also the only Indian captain to have beaten South Africa in a Test series twice. Sachin Tendulkar did it first, followed by Sourav Ganguly in 2004.

3. Hashim Amla | 1528 Runs

Elegant and composed Hashim Amla is in third place when it comes to most runs in Tests between India and South Africa. He made 1528 runs at an average of 43.65 in 21 tests, including five centuries and seven fifties.

He had made his South Africa debut in 2004 against India in Kolkata and went on to score big against India both at home and in India, on pitches that helped spinners. His highest score of 253* came in South Africa’s huge innings and six runs in Nagpur in 2010. His knock included 22 fours and, along with Jacques Kallis’ 173, he helped South Africa post 558/6d. India managed 233 and 319 runs in response.

2. Jacques Kallis | 1734 Runs

Legendary South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis comes in at the second spot in this list. Kallis amassed 1734 runs at an average of 69.36 in 18 Tests, including seven centuries and five fifties.

Kallis’ highest score with the bat against India was 201*, which came in the first Test at Centurion in the 2010 series. India had made 136 runs in the first innings. South Africa made 620/4d with centuries by Kallis, Hashim Amla (140), and AB de Villiers (129*). Kallis starred with 201* with 15 fours and five sixes. He also took two wickets across two India innings and was Player of the Match as the Proteas won by an innings and 25 runs. 

Also Read: Most Wickets in Test Cricket in 2025

1. Sachin Tendulkar | 1741 Runs

The record for most runs in India vs South Africa Test series is held by India's batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar. The legendary batter has 1741 runs in 45 innings at an average of 42.26 in 25 Tests, including seven centuries and five fifties.

Tendulkar’s brilliant 169 came in the second Test in Cape Town in the 1996 series. South Africa had made 529/7d, and in return, India was 58/5 when Tendulkar, the captain, got together with Mohammad Azharuddin to launch a scathing counterattack in a 222-run partnership. Tendulkar made 169 in 254 balls with 26 fours to his name. His knock was ended by a brilliant catch by Adam Bacher as India went on to lose by 282 runs.

Cricket is one of the most followed sports across the globe. For its followers, the matches are not just a game but an emotion. The excitement and intensity have always been high when popular matches like World Cups, India vs Pakistan matches take center stage. The passion and emotions run high among fanatics when these teams meet. And you can always watch live cricket matches of these national teams on the 1xbet site and make your bets on favourites.

As there were multiple clashes in the history of cricket that garnered record viewership, let's take a look the top 10 most watched cricket matches in history.

Also Read: Most matches by an Indian in international cricket

Most watched cricket matches in history

10. ODI World Cup 2023 Final | India vs Australia

While the 2023 edition of the ICC Men’s World Cup broke every record of cricket viewership in India, the final also remained among the most-watched matches in history. Featuring hosts India and Australia, the match was watched by more than 300 million viewers.

Played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Australia claimed an impressive six-wicket victory to lift the World Cup title for the sixth time. The match was widely considered to be one of the biggest upsets in Cricket World Cup history. Travis Head’s 137-run knock single-handedly guided the Aussies to a win.

9. ODI World Cup 2015 Group Match | India vs Pakistan

Among most awaited clashes of any ICC tournaments, the clash of arch-rivals India and Pakistan has to be right on top.

Electing to bat first, India finished with 300/7 with the help of Virat Kohli's exceptional ton and Suresh Raina's quick-fire 74 at the end. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 224 in 47 overs with Shami being the pick of the bowlers with 4/35 off his 9 overs.

8. ODI World Cup 2015 Group Match | India vs South Africa

When India locked horns with South Africa in a Group B match of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, 30 crore unique viewers tuned in to watch the match. 

Entering the tournament with a poor run of form, there were not many expectations from Team India. On the other hand, South Africa entered the tournament as one of the title favorites. But with India crushing Pakistan by 76 runs in their opening match, a neck-to-neck match was anticipated when they face off South Africa in their next clash.

Batting first the MS Dhoni-led team India posted a mammoth total of 307 runs on the board with the help of Shikhar Dhawan's high-quality 137 and Ajinkya Rahane’s quickfire 79. Chasing 308, the Proteas were bundled out for a paltry 177 with Ashwin mustering three and Mohammad Shami, Mohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja sharing five wickets among them.

7. T20 World Cup 2007 Final | India vs Pakistan

The 2007 T20 World Cup final between India and Pakistan was a historic match. It was the first time that the two teams had met in a T20 World Cup final, and it was also the first time that a T20 World Cup final had been played in England. The match was watched by an estimated 190 million unique viewers worldwide, making it one of the most watched cricket matches in history

India won the match by 5 runs, and it was a victory that was celebrated by millions of fans across the world. The match was a thrilling contest, and it was a fitting end to a successful tournament.

6. Champions Trophy 2013 Final | England vs India

England and India squared off in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy final on June 23, 2013, at Birmingham's Edgbaston Cricket Ground. England defeated South Africa in the first semi-final to go to the final. India advanced to the championship match after overcoming Sri Lanka in the second semi-final Rain caused the match to be postponed for over six hours. It began at 16:20 local time and was shortened to 20 overs each innings. Thus, this match was played under the same regulations as a T20 match.

The match was a huge success, and it is clear that cricket is still a very popular sport in the world. The high viewership numbers for the match show that there is a huge appetite for cricket.

Also Read: Most maiden overs in T20Is among Test playing nations

5. ODI World Cup 2019 Semifinal | India vs New Zealand

The first semi-final between New Zealand and India took place at Manchester's Old Trafford. The Kiwis finished their 50 overs with a total of 239/8 thanks to Taylor's additional seven runs to top-score. 

With the top three batters going for only one run apiece, India fell to 5/3 in the fourth over of the chase, and after ten overs, they were 24/4. Following a modest 47-run fifth-wicket stand between Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni partnered Ravindra Jadeja for a century-run partnership for the seventh wicket, leaving India requiring 37 runs from the last three overs. 

This ended up being MS Dhoni's last match for India; in August 2020, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. After Dhoni was run out, New Zealand advanced to their second consecutive World Cup final thanks to a late-order collapse that saw them grab the final four wickets for only 13 runs.

4. ODI World Cup 2019 Final | New Zealand vs England

The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup final is etched in history as the most dramatic 50-over clash ever. On July 14, 2019, at the iconic Lord’s, England claimed their first-ever World Cup title in a thrilling encounter that went down to the wire. 

Under Eoin Morgan’s leadership, England had to rely on the boundary count to secure the trophy after a nail-biting Super Over failed to separate them from New Zealand.

After defeating New Zealand in the final, England lifted their maiden men's World Cup, marking a historic moment in the 44-year history of the tournament. For New Zealand, it was another heartbreak at the summit of the sport, following their loss to Australia in the 2015 World Cup final.

3. ODI World Cup 2003 Final | India vs Australia

The 2003 Cricket World Cup Final between India and Australia was one of the most anticipated matches in the history of the sport. It was a thrilling contest that went down to the wire, and it will be remembered as one of the greatest World Cup finals of all time.

The match was played at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. They scored 292 runs for the loss of eight wickets. India's reply was never really in contention, and they were bowled out for 234 runs. Australia won the match by 125 runs and was crowned World Champions for the third time.

2. ODI World Cup 2011 Semifinal | India vs Pakistan

The high-octane India vs Pakistan 2011 World Cup semifinal in Mohali notched up one of the most watched cricket matches in history.

The India and Pakistan have a long and intense rivalry, and the match was being played on Indian soil. India won the toss and elected to bat first. They scored 260 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 50 overs. Sachin Tendulkar top-scored with 85 runs for India. 

Pakistan's reply was never really in the hunt, and they were bowled out for 231 runs in 49.5 overs. Wahab Riaz was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, taking 3 wickets for 42 runs. India won the match by 29 runs and qualified for the World Cup Final.

Also Read: India vs Pakistan in World Cups | All Time Stats

1. ODI World Cup 2011 Final | India vs Sri Lanka

Back in 2011, the world's cricketing eyes were set on the biggest event of the year, the ICC ODI World Cup finals. The Indian team had powered their way into the finals, set to face off against the co-hosts Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka had set a formidable target of 274 runs on the board, courtesy of a valiant century by Mahela Jayawardene. To end their country's 28-year wait for the trophy, the Indian team needed to pull off a record-breaking run chase.

Led by MS Dhoni, the Indian team etched their name in cricketing history with a thrilling and unforgettable performance. Gautam Gambhir soaks in the pressure with an steady innings of 97 after the early loss of Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar at the hands of lethal Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga. The Indian captain himself played a captain's knock with an unbeaten 91* as India went on to win the World Cup.

It was a historic game, watched by millions around the world, and it became the most viewed cricket game ever played.

The T20 World Cup 2026 will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Defending champion India is the primary host country for the tournament. Team India, led by Rohit Sharma, had performed brilliantly in the last T20 World Cup played in 2024 under the hosting of USA and West Indies and won the title by defeating South Africa in the final. Suryakumar Yadav is now the T20I captain of Team India. He will aim to lead India to the T20 World Cup 2026. However, the schedule for the number of T20 matches Team India will play before the World Cup has been revealed.

While the full schedule of the T20 Men's World Cup 2026 is yet to be out, it is expected to begin in the first week of February with the final slated to be held in the first week of March. India have a total of ten T20I scheduled till the World Cup.

Also Read: Who scored the fastest century in T20 World Cups?

Indian cricket team's schedule till T20 World Cup 2026

India set to host South Africa

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the Indian team will host South Africa for an all-format tour that has two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is. Here is the schedule of the entire tour.

Sourav Ganguly has confirmed that tickets for the first Test between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens on November 14 have been sold out! 🇮🇳🇿🇦🎟️✅#INDvSA #Tests #Kolkata #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/rIlwyWnOTJ

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) November 10, 2025

• 1st Test: November 14-18 - Kolkata
• 2nd Test: November 22-26 - Guwahati
• 1st ODI: November 30 - Ranchi
• 2nd ODI: December 3 - Raipur
• 3rd ODI: December 6 - Vizag
• 1st T20I: December 9: Cuttack
• 2nd T20I: December 11: New Chandigarh
• 3rd T20I: December 14: Dharamsala
• 4th T20I: December 17: Lucknow
• 5th T20I: December 19: Ahmedabad

Also Read: Best bowling spells in T20 World Cups

Limited-overs tour against New Zealand

Following the series against South Africa, the Indian team will play three ODIs and five T20Is against New Zealand on home soil.

• 1st ODI: January 11 - Vadodara
• 2nd ODI: January 14 - Rajkot
• 3rd ODI: January 18 - Indore
• 1st T20I: January 21 - Nagpur
• 2nd T20I: January 23 - Raipur
• 3rd T20I: January 25 - Guwahati
• 4th T20I: January 28 - Vizag
• 5th T20I: January 31 - Thiruvananthapuram

With 10 T20Is at home before the T20 World Cup 2026, India’s focus will be on fine-tuning combinations, testing young players, and ensuring the team is ready to defend its crown on home soil.