India vs South Africa News: Johannesburg, the Fortress for Virat Kohli’s Team in Tests

For any visiting team in cricket, performing overseas is a major challenge. The Indian cricket team is no exception. The greatness of the side is measured by their performances in the SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia). In the last couple of tours, India has performed exceptionally in two out of the four SENA countries. Virat Kohli’s team excelled in Australia in 2018 and 2020 while they are will not lose a series in England for the first time in 14 years. They have struggled in New Zealand and ran South Africa close in 2018.

Recently, the Indian cricket team became famous for breaching the Australian cricket team’s fortress at the Gabba in Brisbane after 32 years. They also won the series for the second consecutive time Down Under. The only country that has withstood India’s mission for world domination has been South Africa. Ever since India started touring South Africa in 1992, India has never won a series. Their best result was a 1-1 draw in 2010 under MS Dhoni. In fact, India did not win a Test in South Africa for 14 years. Rahul Dravid, who is the current coach of the Indian team, was the captain when he led India to a Test win in South Africa in 2006.

The venue was Johannesburg. India led for the first time against South Africa. Although they lost the series 1-2, the Johannesburg win gave India plenty of confidence. In fact, the Wanderers have a special connection to India.

Johannesburg the Fortress of the Indian cricket team

More than South Africa, the Wanderers has been a fortress for Indian cricket. The team has a better record there than Australia and England. Ever since they started playing Tests against South Africa in 1992, India has made Johannesburg their own. After two draws in 1992 and 1996, India won a Test in 2006. After another draw in 2013, India bounced back in 2018 in style with a win in very difficult conditions.

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India could have achieved their first win in South Africa in 1996. They had the Proteas on the mat and required just four wickets for a win. But, rain in Johannesburg denied them the chance for a win. For Dravid, this venue has special memories. It was in Johannesburg that Dravid scored his first Test century and made himself a pillar of the Indian cricket team in 1996. 10 years later, he led India to a famous 123-run win against South Africa. Here is a summary of India’s record in Johannesburg

Johannesburg Wanderers India’s shining light in Tests

If one has to look at the overall performance of the Indian cricket team in SENA countries, the Wanderers hold a special place in the hearts of the Indian cricket team fan. Johannesburg is the only venue where India has never lost a Test. If one looks away at the Asian conditions, then India has a fantastic record in Johannesburg. This venue, along with the likes of Trent Bridge and Auckland, has seen India dominate. Here is the record of India in Johannesburg as compared to other countries.

If one looks at the qualifying criteria of five Tests at a venue, then Johannesburg is right on top. Here are the other venues where India has dominated.

With India starting the series in Johannesburg and Centurion, the chances for India breaking their 29-year jinx in South Africa are very high. India has the bowlers and the batsmen to fire on all cylinders. Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Mohammed Shami are the best in the business at this point in time. With Virat Kohli determined to overcome his rut in what could be his 100th Test, India will be determined to win a series in South Africa for the first time.