IND vs SA: Statistically History Favours South Africa; but India Have Home Advantage

The countdown has begun. For the first time since the COVID pandemic, South Africa are playing a Test series in India. The action begins on November 14 in Kolkata and ends on November 26 in Guwahati. Temba Bavuma will lead the tourists as they face off against the hosts under Shubman Gill in the two-match series. India will also be boosted by Rishabh Pant who is set to make his comeback after being out of action for well over three months.

India vs South Africa Test History

This is the 17th Test series that is being played between India and South Africa since they started taking each other on in 1992. But as far as stats go, South Africa have the upper hand. In the 16 Test series played so far, South Africa have won eight, lost four and four have been drawn.

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South Africa Slightly Ahead of India

Not just in series, but even head to head, South Africa are marginally ahead. Out of a total of 44 Tests, the Proteas have won 18 while India have won 16. While South Africa have played one out of seven Test series played on Indian soil, India have never won one in South Africa’s backyard in nine series. Clearly, the visitors have the upper hand statistically.

India’s Home Advantage

But there is always a gamechanger. When it comes to playing India, the equation takes a complete turnaround. South Africa have played 19 Tests in India’s backyard. India have won 11 while the visitors have only been victorious on five occasions. Three of the matches have ended in a draw. Also, India have won four out of the seven series on home soil and lost just one while two have been drawn. So home conditions certainly work in India’s favour.

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South Africa’s Drought on Indian Soil

What is more frustrating for the tourists is that South Africa have not won a Test series in India since 2000 and not won even a Test since 2010. The last time they toured India for a Test series, they were whitewashed 3-0. Before that, in 2015, they narrowly avoided a whitewash when they drew one game and lost three. Now in 2025, they come as the new World Test Champions with a reputation to uphold.

Who Will Win the India vs South Africa Test Series?

While history is on South Africa’s side and home advantage is in India’s favour, the fact remains that this South African side is nothing compared to the teams that had come between 1996 and 2010. India beat those sides twice, lost once and drew twice. However, India have not beaten South Africa in a Test series since 2019. The last one in South Africa in 2023-24 was drawn 1-1 while the one before that also in South Africa in 2021-22 was lost 2-1. So who will be the last one standing when the Tests conclude? We shall know in a couple of weeks or so!