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Shukri Conrad backs Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy and Simon Harmer to challenge India in the Test series at Eden Gardens and Guwahati, aiming to make history for South Africa.
South Africa cricket team at Ede Gardens in Kolkata (PTI)
South Africa’s head coach Shukri Conrad is confident in his trio of spinners — Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy and Simon Harmer — to rival their experienced Indian counterparts and “make history of our own” in the upcoming Test series, which he equated to their World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia.
Following the series opener at Eden Gardens on Friday, Guwahati will host its first-ever Test from November 22, where the South African spinners aim to continue their good form from their recent tour in Pakistan.
“Having good spinners in your team, does that add spice to the overall contest? Yes, I think it gives us a lot of confidence,” Conrad said during a press conference on Wednesday.
“Not saying that we didn’t have good spinners in the past, but we certainly think we’ve got a better pack of spinners now in Keshav, Simon, and Sen.
“It gives us a lot of confidence that if the conditions are conducive, we feel that we’ve got the armoury to challenge India in that respect as well,” he added.
“We’re quietly confident that we can make history of our own here in Eden Gardens and in India.”
Conrad compared the upcoming series against India to their WTC final against Australia, where they achieved a rare triumph in an ICC event.
“Yes, we had the final against Australia that we won, which was massive. I compare this series and this match to that final.”
Eden Challenge
Conrad acknowledges the challenge of facing a formidable team like India on their home ground.
“Look, India is a tough challenge anywhere in the world, and when you come to an iconic venue like Eden Gardens, it just makes it even tougher.
“I don’t think you can compare the quality of the sides we played against (Pakistan) to India, and this will be our biggest challenge. Certainly, in my 20th match, I don’t think there’s been a bigger challenge than this.”
The experience of playing in the IPL could also benefit the optimistic visitors.
“I think previously you came to India as a newbie and not having experienced India before, you can be taken aback by the occasion, but I think our guys are comfortable in their environment. They’re comfortable with the opposition they play against because of their involvement in the IPL.
“I certainly believe that it does make it slightly easier for us to adapt to conditions. It’s not foreign to a lot of these guys, and certainly, the opposition aren’t foreign. I’m expecting an evenly fought contest. It’s still going to be a hell of a difficult one.”
He noted that the pace bowlers would also have a role to play.
“Everybody talks about spin in India, but on both sides, they’ve got world-class fast bowlers. And again, if history is to be believed, there’s always something for the fast bowlers at Eden Gardens.”
(With inputs from Agencies)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
Kolkata [Calcutta], India, India
November 12, 2025, 14:36 IST
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