Interesting facts from India's previous tours of South Africa
South Africa made a return to cricket after serving a ban due to apartheid from 1970 to 1991. Post their return, India became the first nation to tour the country. Since then, India have gone on to play 6 Test-series in South Africa, but haven't managed to win even a single one. Here are interesting facts from the last 6 tours.
India discover a 'young' player, Sachin Tendulkar
India, under Azharuddin, toured South Africa in 1992-93. After playing 3 draws, India lost the 4-match series 1-0. This first test is best remembered for Tendulkar becoming the first player to be given out by the TV umpire. In the second test, 'not-so-known' Sachin Tendulkar put up a valiant fight, scoring a hundred. Through-out the series, Kumble bowled brilliantly on the green SA pitches.
The thrashing of 1996 under Sachin's captaincy
India's second tour of SA in 1996/97 was nothing short of a disaster. Under Sachin's leadership, India lost the first test by 328 runs and piling on the misery, they lost the second Test by 282 runs. However, in the third Test, Rahul Dravid scored his first Test century and helped India draw the third game. South Africa won the series 2-0.
Controversies galore as India succumb yet again
Controversies were the highlight of this series. India's finest batsman, Sachin Tendulkar was given a match suspension for allegedly tampering the ball. Virender Sehwag announced himself, on the world stage, with a century in the first-innings of his debut game. India lost the 2 match series 1-0. Due to all the controversies, the third test of this series was played as an unofficial match.
India's first victory in the backyard of Proteas
This is probably the most memorable tour, India have made to South Africa. Under Rahul Dravid's captaincy, India finally registered their first Test victory on South African soil. Sourav Ganguly made a dream comeback and emerged as one of the top scorers for India, while young Sreesanth was exceptional with the ball for India. India, however, lost the series 2-1.
India's draw their first series on South African soil
This is India's best performance till date in SA. Under Dhoni's leadership, India did not lose the series for the first time. Even though, India lost the first Test by an innings and 25 runs, Sachin was unstoppable, as he slammed his 50th Test century in the second innings. Zaheer Khan's heroics ensured India won the second Test drawing the series 1-1.
The rise of Pujara and Virat Kohli
Jacques Kallis announced his retirement from Test cricket after the second Test at Durban. India got their "new" Dravid in Pujara, who emerged as one of the top run scorers of the series and Kohli scored his first Test century against SA. India could have won both the games, had they not imploded at the key moments. Finally, India lost the series 1-0.
