India has received a major boost with the return of Rishabh pants to the red ball format. Pant’s aggressive batting style and wicketkeeping skills add depth and energy to the Indian side. Likewise, the Proteas will be buoyed by their captain’s comeback Temba Bavumawho recently took part in the two unofficial Tests between India A and South Africa A, gaining valuable match practice ahead of the main event.
Historically, South Africa has had a slight edge in Test head-to-heads, winning 18 out of 44 matches, while India has triumphed in 16 matches. The remaining 10 Tests ended in draws, showing how fiercely fought this rivalry has been over the years.
Star hitters take center stage in the 2025 series
As anticipation for the first Test builds, attention naturally turns to the star-studded batting line-ups on both sides. For India, Captain Shubman Gill will be in the spotlight after a sensational tour by Englandwhere he emerged as the highest points scorer and led from the front with maturity and flair.
He will be supported by a dynamic set of batsmen: vice-captain Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt PadikkalAnd Dhruv Jurel – each capable of turning a match upside down.
On the other hand, South Africa’s batting arsenal boasts an exciting mix of youth and experience. The likes of Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbsand Captain Bavuma is expected to deliver consistent performances in sub-continental conditions.
With batting units of such caliber, fans can expect fireworks – and possibly some record-breaking innings – as both teams battle for early dominance in the series.
5 Batters with Highest Individual Scores in India vs South Africa Tests
Over the years, the rivalry between India and South Africa has produced several unforgettable batting masterclasses. From elegant strokemakers to power hitters, both countries have seen their stars etch their names in the history books. Let’s take another look at the top five highest individual scores in the India vs South Africa Tests – innings that defined matches and left a lasting impression on cricket fans around the world.
5) Mayank Agarwal (India) – 215 | Visakhapatnam, 2019
On October 2, 2019, Mayank Agarwal announced his arrival in grand style with a stunning double century against South Africa in Visakhapatnam. Opening the innings alongside Rohit SharmaAgarwal showed remarkable patience and temperament, dismantling the Proteas’ bowling attack with elegant drives and confident pulls.
His innings of 215, peppered with 23 fours and 6 sixes, came off 371 balls and laid the foundation for India’s impressive total. The partnership between Agarwal and Rohit played an important role in ensuring a huge win for India. It was a coming-of-age knock for the Karnataka batsman, proving his ability to excel in both quality pace and spin.
4) AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 217 | Ahmedabad, 2008
In 2008, AB de Villiers produced a batting masterclass in Ahmedabad, leading South Africa to a dominant position with an unbeaten 217. Known for his versatility and innovation, De Villiers combined solid defense with superb timing to blunt India’s bowling attack.
His innings was a perfect blend of patience and precision as he hit 17 fours and 2 sixes, running his stroke beautifully over 480 deliveries. This double ton not only helped South Africa reach a huge total, but also highlighted De Villiers’ adaptability in Indian conditions, where he expertly countered spin and reverse swing. The Proteas also eventually recorded a victory by an innings and 90 runs.
Also READ: IND vs SA 2025: South Africa’s Test record on Indian soil
3) Hashim Amla (South Africa) – 253 | Nagpur, 2010*
Few innings in Test history match the class and composure of Hashim Amla‘s unbeaten 253 in Nagpur. The elegant right-hander showed sublime technique, using soft hands and perfect footwork to dominate the Indian attack.
Amla batted for over 11 hours, scored 253 not out, hit 22 boundaries and occupied the crease for 473 balls. His monumental effort took South Africa to a position of absolute control and helped them secure an innings victory. The knock remains one of the most patient and aesthetically pleasing double centuries ever scored on Indian soil. The match saw complete dominance from the visitors as South Africa won by an innings and 6 runs.
2) Virat Kohli (India) – 254 | Pune, 2019*
When Virat Kohli is at his best, he doesn’t just score points, he controls the game. His breathtaking 254 not appearing in Pune during the 2019 series against South Africa was a perfect example of controlled aggression and ruthless concentration.
Kohli batted for over seven hours and played a hopeless innings, hitting 33 fours and 2 sixes. He played a beautiful pace in his innings – cautious early and devastating later – taking India to an impressive total. His double century reaffirmed his reputation as one of the most prolific and technically sound batsmen in modern cricket and helped India win by an innings and 137 runs.
1) Virender Sehwag (India) – 319 | Chennai, 2008
Topping the list is one of the most explosive innings in Test history: Virender Sehwag‘s 319 in Chennai in 2008. The ‘Nawab of Najafgarh’ batted with characteristic fearlessness and dismantled South Africa’s bowling attack with a series of blistering strokes.
Sehwag’s triple century came off just 278 balls, making it one of the fastest 300s in Test cricket. His knock included 42 fours and 5 sixes, and he achieved his milestones – 100, 200 and 300 – all with boundaries. It was an innings that redefined the art of opening in Test cricket and remains India’s highest individual score in the format.
As the 2025 Test series between India and South Africa approaches, fans will be hoping to witness another round of batting brilliance that could rival these iconic performances.
Also READ: IND vs SA: 5 South African players who can trouble India in the upcoming Test series
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