In the aftermath of South Africa’s stunning 30-run victory over India in the first Test at Eden Gardens, head coach Shukri Conrad delivered one of his most revealing and emotional press conferences yet.
He unpacked Temba Bavuma’s match-defining innings, the rise of Proteas spin, the mental transformation of his squad, and the belief that now fuels a team that refuses to accept limitations.
In a win he called “right up there” with the greatest in modern Proteas history, Conrad’s words painted the portrait of a side that has grown fearless, united, and comfortable doing the improbable.
On Temba Bavuma’s Innings and South Africa’s Rise in Spin
Conrad first addressed the defining innings of the match and the evolution of South African spin bowling – historically the country’s least-celebrated discipline. His admiration for Bavuma was clear, as was his pride in seeing South Africa arrive in the subcontinent with a genuine spin arsenal.
“Firstly, on Temba, I said it two days before the Test match, having our best player back is very reassuring for us, it brings a calmness.
“I also might have mentioned that in the last 18 months to 24 months, he’s been one of the best players in the world and he showed that again this morning and yesterday afternoon.
“An innings he was clear on how he wanted to do it, went against the grain of everybody else in the match. That was the difference between the two sides, Temba’s innings, his partnership with Boschie this morning, I thought that was immense and that gave us something we felt we could defend.
“With regards to the spinners, I think we’ve always had decent spinners, we just never had a crop of them. Kesh has always been around. When Simon called me up a few months ago and he said he’s desperate to play for South Africa again, I was more desperate to have him back.
“We are thrilled that we can come here to the subcontinent with a quality pack of spinners and I think it will do wonders for our game back home as well, it’s not only a fast bowling country.”
On Beating India in Their Own Conditions
Asked about defeating India in conditions tailored for them, Conrad’s pride – and perspective – came through. He drew comparisons to South Africa’s WTC final triumph and emphasised how the group’s unity overrides any perceived lack of star power.
“I mean I said it again a few days ago, we won a World Test Championship final earlier in the year against Australia at Lord’s, but this was right up there for us.
“Coming to India, playing at Eden Gardens, doing something we haven’t done for 15 years, this is right up there. You can only but dream of coming here.
“What we lack in [raw ability] we certainly make up in the ability to play as a unit and the resilience that we show; we never give up. I’m so proud of that group.
“It will do wonders for our psyche, but the job’s far from done… Guwahati will present its own challenges, and I’m pretty certain and quietly confident that we’ll be up to the task there as well.”
On the Pitch, India’s Attack, and What Temba Did Differently
Conrad then broke down the challenging surface, India’s world-class bowling, and the subtle technical and mental edge that set Bavuma apart.
“Obviously, Jasprit shows his class, why he’s the best bowler in the world.
“We thought that wicket could play like that on day one, but I don’t think we bargained for as much turn and bounce, that’s what threw both sides.
“And then you have a guy like Jadeja, who is an absolute genius, you feel suffocated as a batter. And someone like Temba he was comfortable.
“His game plan was: I’m going to get beat by balls on the outside as long as I don’t get beat on the inside, I’ll bat through this… the fact that he’s been here before might have given him that bit of confidence.
“So, I think to answer your question, it’s the prodigious turn and that makes our victory even more sweeter that we were able to contend with all of that and come out at the top.”
On Winning Without Kagiso Rabada
When discussing the absence of South Africa’s premier fast bowler, Conrad spoke with honesty about the late call and the boost it gave the team’s belief.
“Yeah, look, we were sweating on KG from early in the week. when KG tells you I’m not ready, then you better believe him.
“And again, that makes it so much sweeter. Boschy might not have had the impact that KG might have had with the ball, but his partnership this morning with Timber… Boschy doing Boschy things.
“But I think it’s important we stay nice and humble. They shouldn’t be surprised when you come to India and beat them; it’s tough.
“Hopefully, we’ll be able to do that in Guwahati as well. I’m going to need some inside tips here…”
On Whether the WTC Win Changed the Team’s Mindset
Conrad was clear: toppling Australia at Lord’s changed everything. But Kolkata may have taken their belief even further.
“Yes, definitely. I think it gives you the belief that you can do great things on special occasions at special places.
“Having toppled Australia, it does give you belief. It gives you the belief that you can mix it with the best.
“This victory will give us a lot of belief… and I’m sure that the boys will keep their feet firmly on the ground.”
On Whether South Africa Will Add a Third Spinner in Guwahati
The question drew a smile and a dodge – but also insight into selection logic and the gamble they took in Kolkata.
“Sho. Can you give me two days to think about that? No, look, the temptation was always there to play the third spinner.
“But again, you’ve got to believe something; we needed to shore up our top-order batters. Wiaan batted a three for us in WTC, maybe we need to bolster that side.
“And again, Kesh was probably going to be targeted… so you play Sen… I’m evading your question, but I’m going to have to just take a rain check on that.”
On Whether the Pitch Took the Toss Out of the Equation
Responding to Gautam Gambhir’s view on the surface, Conrad offered a measured take, analysing how the conditions progressed through the match.
“Yeah, I don’t know if it takes the toss entirely out, you’ve still got to bat well in the first innings when you win the toss.
“I thought the wicket… maybe the older ball didn’t spin as much today. Maybe we just didn’t play it particularly well yesterday.”
On Choosing Not to Use the Roller
Conrad also detailed a tactical call that could have backfired – but ultimately played into South Africa’s hands.
“Yeah, we opted not to take the roller at all this morning. I wanted it to deteriorate quickly.
“And, yeah, it just shows how much we know.
“I mean, Temba and Boschy played like gods in there. Definitely tougher batting last. But you still need to bowl well, and I thought we did that particularly well.”
On Extreme Pitches and Whether He Likes Them
Asked about the contrast between Newlands and Kolkata, Conrad was surprisingly relaxed about extreme surfaces.
“The Newlands pitch wasn’t ordered. It was a shock to us as it was to India.
“When you come to India. You expect wickets like this.
“You’ve got to find a way. Thankfully, we found a way.
“I think it’s more of a mentality thing than a technical thing.”
On His Bond With Temba Bavuma
Conrad lit up when asked about his relationship with Bavuma – revealing the cultural foundation, trust, and authenticity behind South Africa’s resurgence.
“Yeah, I mean, Temba’s got a hell of a record. He hasn’t lost a test match as a captain yet.
“We’ve really tried to create an environment. South Africa is a diverse country with diverse cultures. We’ve allowed players to be exactly who they are.
“It’s like a bunch of mates. They practice hard. They party hard.
“We’ve got great leaders. KG, Aiden Markram, Kesh, I don’t think there’s a recipe. It’s really just allowing things to unfold organically and really showing faith in them.
“Let’s find a way. Let’s never give up. this side does that.”
On Bumrah’s Verbal Swipe at Bavuma
The final question referenced “unflattering language” used by Jasprit Bumrah early in the Test. Conrad didn’t bite – instead paying Bavuma the ultimate compliment.
“Thankfully, he’s got a heart like a giant.”
