Hashim Amla backs “well-prepared” South Africa ahead of India Test series

Former South African captain Hashim Amla is confident of the Temba Bavuma–led South African side doing well in the two-match Test series against India, which is scheduled to start on Friday, November 14, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

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Speaking exclusively at an event ahead of the SA20 2026 season launch, Amla asserted that South Africa is entering the India series after playing a Test series in Pakistan, which would turn out to be a beneficial factor for the touring team.

“If I look at the South African team, as I mentioned earlier, they had just come from a Test series in Pakistan. For a big series like India, the best preparation is playing Test matches in the subcontinent against quality spinners and seamers. Many South African players were not involved in the one-day format, so credit goes to the think tank of the South African team for keeping the Test players in Test mode heading into a big series in India,” Amla said.

“The preparation that has been involved, like the India series and the Pakistan series, was the best prep South Africa could have had. It does take adjustment, and giving them rest might be the key to maintaining Test excellence,” he added.

Furthermore, the former top-order batter also reckoned that both sides have exceptional bowling attacks. However, he felt that batters would decide the scoreline of the two-match Test series, adding that it’s a big test for both sides. 

“Both bowling attacks have very good seamers and spinners. The teams are close, and the batting and the ability to get big runs will be crucial. It's going to be a big test for both sides. South Africa has some inexperienced guys who have come to India for the first time, but that might actually work in their favour,” he noted.

Additionally, Amla went on to heap praises on the newly appointed Indian Test captain, Shubman Gill, who took over the captaincy baton since the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the format. 

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“How well he has been doing, maintaining his form and scoring more runs is fantastic, especially with the added responsibility of captaincy. The toughest job in Test cricket is captaining and opening; it takes great character to do both,” he concluded.

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