Daijiworld Media Network - Durban
Durban, Jan 10: Former South Africa captain and SA20 league commissioner Graeme Smith has lauded the Proteas’ emphatic Test series triumph over India, while also expressing hope of avenging their loss to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup final on the biggest stage possible.
Speaking to Indian media on the sidelines of a rain-hit SA20 match in Durban on Friday, Smith admitted he was surprised by the sheer dominance shown by Temba Bavuma-led South Africa during their recent Test tour of India. The Proteas stunned the hosts with a historic 2–0 series win, replicating their only previous series victory in India achieved back in 1999–2000.
South Africa outplayed India in both Tests, first in Kolkata and then in Guwahati, which hosted its maiden Test. Bavuma’s gritty half-century in the opener stood out in a low-scoring affair, while off-spinner Simon Harmer finished as the series’ leading wicket-taker with 17 scalps and Marco Jansen chipped in with 12 wickets. The result handed India head coach Gautam Gambhir his second Test series whitewash at home since taking charge.
“We know it’s a tough place to tour. I was really surprised by how dominant we were in the Test series,” Smith said. “The Test side over the last year and a half has really been the beacon of light. Temba Bavuma and Shukri Conrad have done wonders.”
While South Africa lost the five-match T20I series 1–3 against India on the same tour, Smith remains optimistic about the team’s prospects in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India. He said he would love nothing more than to see South Africa face India in the final and settle scores from their previous heartbreak.
“Obviously, I’d like us to beat India in the (T20 World Cup) final,” Smith said with a smile, adding that India remain strong contenders on home soil despite being in a transition phase.
Smith also backed the SA20 league as a strong preparation platform for the World Cup, disagreeing with views that the tournament lacks international intensity. “SA20 is intense, high-quality cricket with full houses. From a preparation perspective, that’s invaluable,” he said, noting its growing role in providing exposure to young and fringe players.
On India, Smith said he would be “very surprised” if the hosts failed to reach at least the semifinals of the World Cup, citing the country’s depth of talent and recent white-ball success.
“With India’s talent, you can never write them off. It’s a home World Cup. If they’re not in the last four, I’ll be very surprised,” he said.
Smith added that South Africa, with the right combinations, have the potential to reach a second successive T20 World Cup final and possibly clinch their maiden ICC title in the format.