In the aftermath of South Africa’s stunning 30-run win over India in the first Test at Eden Gardens, head coach Shukri Conrad held one of his most revealing and emotional press conferences to date.
He revealed Temba Bavuma’s match-defining innings, the rise of Proteas spin, his side’s mental transformation and the belief that now fuels a team that refuses to accept limitations.
In a victory he called “up there” with the greatest in modern Proteas history, Conrad’s words painted the portrait of a side that has become fearless, united and comfortable doing the improbable.
On Temba Bavuma’s innings and South Africa’s Rise in Spin
Conrad first discussed the match’s defining innings and the evolution of South African spin bowling – historically the country’s least celebrated discipline. His admiration for Bavuma was clear, as was his pride in seeing South Africa arrive in the subcontinent with a real spin arsenal.
“Firstly, at Temba, I said it two days before the Test match. It is very reassuring for us that we have our best player back, it brings peace.
“I could also have said that he has been one of the best players in the world over the last 18 to 24 months and he showed that again this morning and yesterday afternoon.
“An innings where he clearly knew how he wanted to do it went against the wishes of everyone else in the match. That was the difference between the two sides, Temba’s innings, his partnership with Boschie this morning, I thought that was huge and that gave us something we thought we could defend.”
“As for the spinners, I think we’ve always had good spinners, but we’ve never had a whole crop of them. Kesh has always been there. When Simon called me a few months ago and he said he was desperate to play for South Africa again, I was even more desperate to get him back.”
“We are very happy to come here to the subcontinent with a quality pack of spinners and I think it will do wonders for our game at home too, it is not just a fast bowling nation.”
About beating India in their own circumstances
Asked about beating India in conditions tailored to them, Conrad’s pride – and perspective – was evident. He drew comparisons to the eventual triumph of the WTC in South Africa and emphasized how the group’s unity transcends any perceived lack of star power.
“I mean, I said it again a few days ago, we won a World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s earlier this year, but this was exactly what we wanted.
“Coming to India, playing at Eden Gardens, doing something we haven’t done for 15 years, this suits us completely. You can only dream of coming here.”
“What we lack [raw ability] we certainly make up for it in the ability to play as a unit and the resilience we show; we never give up. I’m so proud of that group.
“It will do wonders for our psyche, but the job is far from done… Guwahati will bring its own challenges, and I am quite sure we can handle the task there too.”
On the field: India’s attack and what Temba did differently
Conrad then broke down the challenging surface, India’s world-class bowling and the subtle technical and mental edge that distinguished Bavuma.
“It’s clear that Jasprit is showing his class, why he is the best bowler in the world.
“We thought the wicket might play like that on the first day, but I don’t think we expected so much turn and bounce, that’s what both sides threw.
“And then you have a guy like Jadeja, who is an absolute genius, you feel suffocated as a batsman. And someone like Temba felt comfortable.”
“His game plan was: I’m going to get beat by balls on the outside, as long as I don’t get beat on the inside, I’ll get through this. The fact that he’s been here before maybe gave him that little bit of confidence.
“So, to answer your question, I think this is a miraculous turn of events and that makes our victory even sweeter because we were able to get through all that and come out on top.”
About winning without Kagiso Rabada
Discussing the absence of South Africa’s leading fast bowler, Conrad spoke honestly about the late call and the boost it gave the team’s belief.
“Yeah, look, we were sweating at KG early in the week. If KG tells you I’m not ready yet, you better believe him.
“And again, that makes it so much more fun. Boschy may not have had the impact that KG might have had with the ball, but his partnership with Timber this morning…Boschy did Boschy things.
“But I think it’s important that we remain kind and humble. They shouldn’t be surprised if you come to India and beat them; it’s difficult.”
“Hopefully we can do the same in Guwahati. I need some inside tips here…”
On whether the WTC victory changed the team’s mentality
Conrad was clear: the overthrow of Australia at Lord changed everything. But Kolkata may have extended their faith even further.
“Yes, I think it gives you the belief that you can do beautiful things in special places on special occasions.
“Now that you’ve toppled Australia, it gives you confidence. It gives you the belief that you can go with the best.
“This win will give us a lot of belief… and I’m sure the boys will keep their feet on the ground.”
On whether South Africa will add a third spinner in Guwahati
The question brought a smile and an evasion, but also an insight into the selection logic and the gamble they took in Calcutta.
“Sho. Can you give me two days to think about that? No, look, the temptation was always there to play the third spinner.”
“But again, you have to believe something; we needed to strengthen our top-class hitters. Wiaan hit a three for us in WTC, maybe we need to strengthen that squad.
“And again, Kesh would probably be the target… so you play Sen… I’m avoiding your question, but I’ll just have to make a regen check on that.”
As to whether the pitch took the toss out of the equation
Responding to Gautam Gambhir’s surface views, Conrad offered a measured view, analyzing how the conditions evolved during the match.
“Yes, I don’t know if this makes the toss completely redundant, you still have to bat well in the first innings if you win the toss.
“I thought the wicket… maybe the older ball wasn’t turning that much today. Maybe we just didn’t play it that well yesterday.”
About the choice not to use the roller
Conrad also described a tactical decision that could have backfired, but ultimately played into South Africa’s hands.
“Yes, this morning we chose not to take the roller with us at all, I wanted it to spoil quickly.
“And yes, it shows how much we know.
“I mean, Temba and Boschy played like gods there. Definitely tougher last. But you still have to bowl well, and I thought we did that exceptionally well.”
On extreme fields and whether he likes them
Asked about the contrast between Newlands and Kolkata, Conrad was surprisingly relaxed about extreme surfaces.
“The Newlands pitch was not ordered. It was a shock for us, as it was for India.”
“When you come to India, you expect these kind of wickets.
‘You have to find a way. Fortunately, we found a way.
“I think it’s more of a mentality issue than a technical issue.”
About his bond with Temba Bavuma
Conrad lit up when asked about his relationship with Bavuma, revealing the cultural underpinnings, trust and authenticity behind South Africa’s resurgence.
“Yeah, I mean, Temba has a great record. He has yet to lose a Test match as captain.
“We really tried to create an environment. South Africa is a diverse country with different cultures. We made sure that players can be exactly who they are.
“They’re just like a bunch of friends. They practice hard. They party hard.”
“We have great leaders. KG, Aiden Markram, Kesh, I don’t think there’s a recipe. It’s really just allowing things to unfold organically and really showing confidence in it.
“Let’s find a way. Let’s never give up. This side does that.”
About Bumrah’s verbal swipe at Bavuma
The last question related to “unflattering language” used by Jasprit Bumrah early in the test. Conrad didn’t bite, but gave Bavuma the ultimate compliment.
“Luckily he has a heart like a giant.”
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