South Africa are chasing a milestone that has eluded them for more than a decade as they prepare for a two-Test series against India beginning tomorrow in Kolkata. The Proteas have not won a Test match on Indian soil since February 2010, when Graeme Smith’s golden generation – including Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, and Dale Steyn – dominated in Nagpur.

Led by captain Temba Bavuma, the reigning World Test Championship holders are looking to continue their resurgence under his leadership. Spinner Keshav Maharaj said the team is: “hungry and determined” to finally win in India, calling the tour: “one of the toughest challenges on the Proteas calendar.” Maharaj, who took nine wickets in their last Test victory over Pakistan, believes South Africa’s growing confidence across the sub-continent could translate into success this time.

Alongside Maharaj, fellow spinners Senuran Muthusamy and Simon Harmer are expected to play key roles on turning wickets, while pacemen Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen will lead the seam attack. India’s squad, captained by Shubman Gill, includes Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rishabh Pant, setting up a fierce contest between two of the world’s top-ranked Test sides.

The first Test runs from 14 to 18 November in Kolkata, followed by the second in Guwahati from 22 to 26 November (this will be the first time a Test has ever been played in Guwahati). For South Africa, victory would not only end a 15-year wait but also cement their status as a team capable of conquering cricket’s toughest away frontier.