Introduction: Why the South Africa Tour of India 2025 Was a Game-Changer for Cricket Fans
The South Africa Tour of India 2025 will go down in cricket history as a rollercoaster of emotions, skill, and sheer determination. From November 14 to December 19, this bilateral series pitted two powerhouse teams against each other in a multi-format battle: two Tests for the Freedom Trophy, three ODIs, and five T20Is (though the fourth was abandoned due to persistent fog in Lucknow). Played across diverse venues like Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, Guwahati, Ranchi, Raipur, Visakhapatnam, Cuttack, New Chandigarh (Mullanpur), Dharamsala, and Ahmedabad, the tour captured the essence of modern cricket – from gritty Test survival to explosive white-ball fireworks.
South Africa, riding high after their World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 victory over Australia at Lord’s, shocked the world by clinching the Test series 2-0. This marked their first Test series win in India since 2000, a feat that boosted their WTC 2025-27 standings and proved their adaptability on spin-friendly pitches. India, stung by the home whitewash – only their second in the 21st century after New Zealand’s 3-0 drubbing in 2024 – bounced back fiercely in the limited-overs legs, winning the ODIs 2-1 and the T20Is 3-1.
What made this tour unforgettable? It wasn’t just the results; it was the individual brilliance. Virat Kohli’s ODI masterclass with 302 runs at an average of 151, including two centuries, reminded everyone why he’s called the King. Simon Harmer’s 17 Test wickets dismantled India’s batting, while Hardik Pandya’s T20I fireworks (142 runs at a strike rate of 186.84) showcased his all-round prowess. Injuries added layers of drama: Shubman Gill missed much of the series with a neck issue, Kagiso Rabada sat out the second Test with a rib fracture, and Axar Patel battled illness in the T20Is.
As the curator of “IPL Star,” a blog dedicated to niche cricket updates, I’ve pored over every delivery, stat, and social media buzz. This article draws from reliable sources like ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and Wikipedia, plus real-time fan reactions on X (formerly Twitter). We’ll unpack match recaps, key highlights, and stats in tables for easy reading. Whether you’re reliving South Africa’s historic Test sweep or celebrating India’s white-ball revenge, this guide has it all.
Imagine if India had won the first Test – would the series have flipped? Let’s dive into the Freedom Trophy Tests, where South Africa rewrote the script.
Freedom Trophy 2025: South Africa’s Historic 2-0 Sweep Shakes India to Its Core
The Freedom Trophy, honoring Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, has symbolized fierce India-South Africa rivalry since 2015. In the South Africa Tour of India 2025, the Proteas flipped the narrative, securing a 2-0 victory – their first Test series win on Indian soil in 25 years. This triumph came after South Africa’s WTC success, highlighting their growth under captain Temba Bavuma.
South Africa’s strategy was spot-on: exploiting spin with Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, while Marco Jansen provided all-round balance. India, led by stand-in skipper KL Rahul amid Gill’s injury, averaged just 18.11 runs per wicket – a shocking low on home turf. The series aggregate told the tale: South Africa 908 runs for 24 wickets, India 632 for 40.
Fan reactions on X were electric. One user posted, “SA proving WTC wasn’t a fluke – draw in Pak, 2-0 in Ind!” capturing the global surprise.
Match Results at a Glance
| Match | Venue | Dates | Winner | Margin | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Nov 14-16, 2025 | South Africa | 30 runs | Simon Harmer (8/51 in the match) |
| 2nd Test | Guwahati | Nov 22-26, 2025 | South Africa | 408 runs | Marco Jansen (106 runs & 12 wickets series-wide, key in this match) |
1st Test: Tense Low-Scoring Drama Unfolds in Kolkata
The opener at Eden Gardens was a bowler’s paradise, wrapping up in three days. South Africa won the toss and batted on a seaming track that later turned viciously.
Day 1: South Africa stumbled to 159/10 in 55 overs. Jasprit Bumrah’s 5/27 was lethal, dismissing key batsmen like Aiden Markram (38) and Temba Bavuma (55*). Mohammed Siraj chipped in with 2/2, including a double-wicket maiden. India’s reply reached 189/10, with Washington Sundar (48) top-scoring amid collapses. Marco Jansen’s 3 wickets exploited bounce.
Day 2: South Africa built a 230-run lead, posting 260/10 in the second innings. Stubbs (49) and Bavuma’s gritty 55* anchored, while Jadeja’s 4/50 kept India in it.
Day 3: Chasing 231, India imploded to 93/10. Harmer’s 6/37 in the fourth innings was mesmerizing – he trapped Kohli lbw for 12 and cleaned up the tail. The 30-run win gave South Africa a 1-0 lead.
Key highlight: Harmer’s spell, where he varied pace and flight to bamboozle India’s spinners. As Bavuma noted in a post-match interview, “Our spinners outdid theirs on their home ground.”
2nd Test: Absolute Dominance Leads to Record-Breaking Win in Guwahati
Guwahati saw South Africa at their peak. Winning the toss, they piled on 489/10 in 151.1 overs. Senuran Muthusamy’s 109 (his maiden Test ton) and Jansen’s blistering 93 off 91 (6 fours, 7 sixes) were standouts. Partnerships like 101 between Stubbs (94) and Tony de Zorzi (49) for the fourth wicket frustrated India.
India’s first innings? A dismal 81/10, with Jansen’s 6/48 ripping through. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 58 was lone resistance. Enforcing the follow-on, South Africa watched India muster 140/10 in the second. Harmer’s 6/37 again, finishing with 9/101 for the match.
The 408-run margin was India’s heaviest home defeat by runs, eclipsing previous lows. Bavuma’s leadership shone, as he rotated bowlers to exploit the wearing pitch.
Highlight: Jansen’s all-round show – his 93 included the series’ most sixes, turning momentum decisively.
Freedom Trophy 2025 Key Highlights and Turning Points
South Africa’s spin attack was revolutionary. Harmer, recalled after years, took 17 wickets at 8.94 – the best by a visiting off-spinner in a two-Test series in India. Jansen’s dual threat (106 runs, 12 wickets) earned him plaudits.
India’s batting woes were evident: no centuries, frequent collapses. Jadeja’s 105 runs and 10 wickets offered hope, but the top order faltered.
Historical note: This echoed South Africa’s 2000 win under Hansie Cronje, but in 2025, it was clean dominance. X users compared it to Australia’s 2004 series win, with one saying, “SA shedding chokers tag for good.”
Freedom Trophy 2025 Stats & Records in Tables
Most Runs in Tests
| Player | Team | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tristan Stubbs | SA | 2 | 4 | 163 | 94 | 54.33 | 42.44 | 0 | 1 | 14 | 3 |
| Washington Sundar | IND | 2 | 4 | 124 | 48 | 31.00 | 40.00 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 |
| Senuran Muthusamy | SA | 1 | 1 | 109 | 109 | 109.00 | 52.91 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 2 |
| Marco Jansen | SA | 2 | 3 | 106 | 93 | 35.33 | 96.36 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 8 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | IND | 2 | 4 | 105 | 54 | 26.25 | 59.65 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 2 |
| Ryan Rickelton | SA | 2 | 4 | 104 | 35 | 26.00 | 54.45 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 |
| Tony de Zorzi | SA | 2 | 4 | 103 | 49 | 25.75 | 55.97 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 3 |
| Aiden Markram | SA | 2 | 4 | 102 | 38 | 25.50 | 43.22 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 1 |
| Temba Bavuma | SA | 2 | 4 | 102 | 55* | 34.00 | 40.80 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 0 |
| Wiaan Mulder | SA | 2 | 4 | 83 | 35* | 27.66 | 49.40 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 |
Most Wickets in Tests
| Player | Team | Matches | Overs | Maidens | Runs Conceded | Wickets | Best Innings | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | 4-Wicket Hauls | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simon Harmer | SA | 2 | 79.2 | 20 | 152 | 17 | 6/37 | 8.94 | 1.91 | 28.00 | 2 | 1 |
| Marco Jansen | SA | 2 | 56.5 | 19 | 121 | 12 | 6/48 | 10.08 | 2.12 | 28.41 | 0 | 1 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | IND | 2 | 84.3 | 10 | 219 | 10 | 4/50 | 21.90 | 2.59 | 50.70 | 2 | 0 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | IND | 2 | 62.0 | 17 | 148 | 8 | 5/27 | 18.50 | 2.38 | 46.50 | 0 | 1 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | IND | 2 | 63.1 | 6 | 229 | 8 | 4/115 | 28.62 | 3.62 | 47.37 | 1 | 0 |
| Mohammed Siraj | IND | 2 | 49.0 | 6 | 174 | 6 | 2/2 | 29.00 | 3.55 | 49.00 | 0 | 0 |
| Keshav Maharaj | SA | 2 | 52.5 | 4 | 179 | 6 | 2/37 | 29.83 | 3.38 | 52.83 | 0 | 0 |
| Axar Patel | IND | 1 | 20.0 | 2 | 57 | 2 | 1/21 | 28.50 | 2.85 | 60.00 | 0 | 0 |
| Senuran Muthusamy | SA | 1 | 9.0 | 1 | 23 | 1 | 1/21 | 23.00 | 2.55 | 54.00 | 0 | 0 |
| Aiden Markram | SA | 2 | 15.0 | 1 | 33 | 1 | 1/5 | 33.00 | 2.20 | 90.00 | 0 | 0 |
High Scores in Tests
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Team | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senuran Muthusamy | 109 | 206 | 10 | 2 | 52.91 | SA | India | Guwahati | Nov 22, 2025 |
| Tristan Stubbs | 94 | 180 | 9 | 1 | 52.22 | SA | India | Guwahati | Nov 22, 2025 |
| Marco Jansen | 93 | 91 | 6 | 7 | 102.19 | SA | India | Guwahati | Nov 22, 2025 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 58 | 97 | 7 | 1 | 59.79 | IND | SA | Guwahati | Nov 22, 2025 |
| Temba Bavuma | 55* | 136 | 4 | 0 | 40.44 | SA | India | Kolkata | Nov 14, 2025 |
Best Bowling Figures in an Innings
| Player | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy | Team | Innings | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simon Harmer | 23.0 | 6 | 37 | 6 | 1.60 | SA | 4th | India | Guwahati | Nov 22, 2025 |
| Marco Jansen | 19.5 | 5 | 48 | 6 | 2.42 | SA | 2nd | India | Guwahati | Nov 22, 2025 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 14.0 | 5 | 27 | 5 | 1.92 | IND | 1st | SA | Kolkata | Nov 14, 2025 |
| Simon Harmer | 14.0 | 4 | 21 | 4 | 1.50 | SA | 4th | India | Kolkata | Nov 14, 2025 |
| Simon Harmer | 15.2 | 4 | 30 | 4 | 1.95 | SA | 2nd | India | Kolkata | Nov 14, 2025 |
Best Bowling Figures in a Match
| Player | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy | Team | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simon Harmer | 50.0 | 12 | 101 | 9 | 2.02 | SA | India | Guwahati | Nov 22, 2025 |
| Simon Harmer | 29.2 | 8 | 51 | 8 | 1.73 | SA | India | Kolkata | Nov 14, 2025 |
| Marco Jansen | 34.5 | 12 | 71 | 7 | 2.03 | SA | India | Guwahati | Nov 22, 2025 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 24.0 | 7 | 51 | 6 | 2.12 | IND | SA | Kolkata | Nov 14, 2025 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 56.3 | 5 | 156 | 6 | 2.76 | IND | SA | Guwahati | Nov 22, 2025 |
Highest Partnerships by Runs
| Partners | Runs | Wicket | Team | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi | 101 | 4th | SA | India | Guwahati | Nov 22, 2025 |
| Senuran Muthusamy, Marco Jansen | 97 | 8th | SA | India | Guwahati | Nov 22, 2025 |
| Kyle Verreynne, Senuran Muthusamy | 88 | 7th | SA | India | Guwahati | Nov 22, 2025 |
| Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma | 84 | 3rd | SA | India | Guwahati | Nov 22, 2025 |
| Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder | 82 | 5th | SA | India | Guwahati | Nov 22, 2025 |
Records from the Tests: Harmer’s 17 wickets surpassed previous visiting spinner hauls in short series. The 408-run win was SA’s largest margin in Asia. India’s 81 all out matched their lowest against SA.
This Test dominance left India reeling, but the ODIs brought redemption.
ODI Series 2025: India’s Resilient 2-1 Win in Run-Fest Thrillers
Shifting to 50-overs, India turned the tables in the South Africa Tour of India 2025 ODI leg. Winning 2-1, they showcased batting depth on flat tracks in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam. The series saw 1,941 runs in three games – a high-scoring spectacle with six centuries.
Virat Kohli was the star, amassing 302 runs at 151 average, earning Player of the Series. South Africa, despite Aiden Markram’s century, couldn’t match India’s chase mastery. Dew played a role in night games, aiding second innings.
X buzz highlighted Kohli’s form: “Be it South Africa or India, in 2018 or 2025, Virat Kohli dominated everywhere & everytime – truly the GOAT.”
ODI Match Results Snapshot
| Match | Venue | Date | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Ranchi | Nov 30, 2025 | India | 17 runs |
| 2nd ODI | Raipur | Dec 3, 2025 | South Africa | 4 wickets |
| 3rd ODI | Visakhapatnam | Dec 6, 2025 | India | 9 wickets |
1st ODI: Kohli’s Century Powers Narrow Victory in Ranchi
India batted first, posting 349/8. Kohli’s 135 off 120 (11 fours, 7 sixes) was majestic, partnered by Rohit Sharma’s 75 in a 136-run stand. KL Rahul added 60*, while Ravindra Jadeja’s 32 off 20 boosted the total. Jansen took 2/76 for SA.
Chasing, South Africa reached 332/10. Corbin Bosch (67) and Jansen (70 off 39, SR 179.48) threatened, but Kuldeep Yadav’s 4/68 and Harshit Rana’s 3/65 clinched a 17-run win.
Highlight: Kohli’s seven sixes, the most in the series, as he accelerated to his 50th ODI ton overall.
2nd ODI: South Africa’s Epic Chase Evens Series in Raipur
India smashed 358/10, led by Gaikwad’s 105 off 83 and Kohli’s 102 off 93 in a 195-run partnership. Rohit (57) set the tone, but SA’s bowlers, including Burger (2/65), restricted late.
SA’s reply: 362/6 with 4 balls left. Markram’s 110 off 98 and Breetzke’s 72 built momentum, sealed by Dewald Brevis’ 54 off 34 (5 sixes). Prasidh Krishna’s 2/85 was expensive.
Turning point: Brevis’ death-over assault, flipping pressure on India.
3rd ODI: Clinical Chase Seals Series in Visakhapatnam
SA posted 270/10, with de Kock’s 106 off 89 (8 fours, 6 sixes) and Bavuma’s partnership. Prasidh’s 4/66 and Kuldeep’s 4/41 dismantled them.
India chased 271/1 in 39.5 overs. Jaiswal’s unbeaten 116 (maiden ODI ton) and Kohli’s 65* formed an unbroken 116-run stand, after Rohit’s 46 in a 155 opener.
Highlight: Jaiswal’s century celebration, inspired by Kohli’s motivation – “He sang and danced to keep me going,” Jaiswal shared post-match.
ODI Series Highlights That Captivated Fans
Kohli’s dominance: His 302 runs included streaks of three 50+ scores, joint-most 50+ vs SA across formats. High chases and 63 sixes tied records for three-match bilaterals.
Partnerships like India’s 195 (Kohli-Gaikwad) were game-changers. Kuldeep’s wrist-spin controlled middles.
Check ESPNcricinfo’s full coverage here.
ODI Series Stats & Records Breakdown
Most Runs in ODIs
| Player | Team | Matches | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Balls Faced | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | 0s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | IND | 3 | 3 | 1 | 302 | 135 | 151.00 | 258 | 117.05 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 24 | 12 |
| Matthew Breetzke | SA | 3 | 3 | 0 | 164 | 72 | 54.66 | 167 | 98.20 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 3 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | IND | 3 | 3 | 1 | 156 | 116* | 78.00 | 175 | 89.14 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 4 |
| Rohit Sharma | IND | 3 | 3 | 0 | 146 | 75 | 48.66 | 132 | 110.60 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 15 | 6 |
| KL Rahul | IND | 3 | 2 | 1 | 126 | 66* | 126.00 | 99 | 127.27 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 5 |
| Dewald Brevis | SA | 3 | 3 | 0 | 120 | 54 | 40.00 | 91 | 131.86 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 9 |
| Aiden Markram | SA | 3 | 3 | 0 | 118 | 110 | 39.33 | 116 | 101.72 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 4 |
| Quinton de Kock | SA | 3 | 3 | 0 | 114 | 106 | 38.00 | 102 | 111.76 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 6 |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | IND | 3 | 2 | 0 | 113 | 105 | 56.50 | 97 | 116.49 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 2 |
| Corbin Bosch | SA | 3 | 3 | 1 | 105 | 67 | 52.50 | 78 | 134.61 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 4 |
High Scores in ODIs
| Player | Runs | Minutes | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Team | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 135 | 173 | 120 | 11 | 7 | 112.50 | IND | SA | Ranchi | Nov 30, 2025 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 116* | 169 | 121 | 12 | 2 | 95.86 | IND | SA | Visakhapatnam | Dec 6, 2025 |
| Aiden Markram | 110 | 131 | 98 | 10 | 4 | 112.24 | SA | IND | Raipur | Dec 3, 2025 |
| Quinton de Kock | 106 | 139 | 89 | 8 | 6 | 119.10 | SA | IND | Visakhapatnam | Dec 6, 2025 |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | 105 | 102 | 83 | 12 | 2 | 126.50 | IND | SA | Raipur | Dec 3, 2025 |
| Virat Kohli | 102 | 143 | 93 | 7 | 2 | 109.67 | IND | SA | Raipur | Dec 3, 2025 |
Most Sixes in an Innings (ODIs)
| Player | Runs | Minutes | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Team | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 135 | 173 | 120 | 11 | 7 | 112.50 | IND | SA | Ranchi | Nov 30, 2025 |
| Quinton de Kock | 106 | 139 | 89 | 8 | 6 | 119.10 | SA | IND | Visakhapatnam | Dec 6, 2025 |
| Dewald Brevis | 54 | 62 | 34 | 1 | 5 | 158.82 | SA | IND | Raipur | Dec 3, 2025 |
| Corbin Bosch | 67 | 73 | 51 | 5 | 4 | 131.37 | SA | IND | Ranchi | Nov 30, 2025 |
| Aiden Markram | 110 | 131 | 98 | 10 | 4 | 112.24 | SA | IND | Raipur | Dec 3, 2025 |
Highest Strike Rates in an Innings (ODIs, min 25 runs)
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Team | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corbin Bosch | 29* | 15 | 4 | 0 | 193.33 | SA | IND | Raipur | Dec 3, 2025 |
| Marco Jansen | 70 | 39 | 8 | 3 | 179.48 | SA | IND | Ranchi | Nov 30, 2025 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 32 | 20 | 2 | 1 | 160.00 | IND | SA | Ranchi | Nov 30, 2025 |
| Dewald Brevis | 54 | 34 | 1 | 5 | 158.82 | SA | IND | Raipur | Dec 3, 2025 |
| KL Rahul | 66* | 43 | 6 | 2 | 153.48 | IND | SA | Raipur | Dec 3, 2025 |
Most Wickets in ODIs
| Player | Team | Matches | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Best Innings | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | 4-Wicket Hauls | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kuldeep Yadav | IND | 3 | 30.0 | 1 | 187 | 9 | 4/41 | 20.77 | 6.23 | 20.00 | 2 | 0 |
| Prasidh Krishna | IND | 3 | 25.3 | 1 | 199 | 7 | 4/66 | 28.42 | 7.80 | 21.85 | 1 | 0 |
| Arshdeep Singh | IND | 3 | 28.0 | 2 | 154 | 5 | 2/54 | 30.80 | 5.50 | 33.60 | 0 | 0 |
| Marco Jansen | SA | 3 | 28.0 | 1 | 178 | 4 | 2/63 | 44.50 | 6.35 | 42.00 | 0 | 0 |
| Harshit Rana | IND | 3 | 28.0 | 2 | 179 | 4 | 3/65 | 44.75 | 6.39 | 42.00 | 0 | 0 |
| Nandre Burger | SA | 2 | 16.1 | 0 | 108 | 3 | 2/65 | 36.00 | 6.68 | 32.33 | 0 | 0 |
| Ottneil Baartman | SA | 2 | 17.0 | 0 | 120 | 2 | 2/60 | 60.00 | 7.05 | 51.00 | 0 | 0 |
| Corbin Bosch | SA | 3 | 24.0 | 0 | 198 | 2 | 2/66 | 99.00 | 8.25 | 72.00 | 0 | 0 |
| Lungi Ngidi | SA | 2 | 16.5 | 1 | 107 | 1 | 1/51 | 107.00 | 6.35 | 101.00 | 0 | 0 |
| Keshav Maharaj | SA | 2 | 20.0 | 0 | 114 | 1 | 1/44 | 114.00 | 5.70 | 120.00 | 0 | 0 |
Best Bowling Figures in an Innings (ODIs)
| Player | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy | Team | Innings | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kuldeep Yadav | 10.0 | 1 | 41 | 4 | 4.10 | IND | 1st | SA | Visakhapatnam | Dec 6, 2025 |
| Prasidh Krishna | 9.5 | 0 | 66 | 4 | 6.71 | IND | 1st | SA | Visakhapatnam | Dec 6, 2025 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 10.0 | 0 | 68 | 4 | 6.80 | IND | 2nd | SA | Ranchi | Nov 30, 2025 |
| Harshit Rana | 10.0 | 0 | 65 | 3 | 6.50 | IND | 2nd | SA | Ranchi | Nov 30, 2025 |
| Arshdeep Singh | 10.0 | 0 | 54 | 2 | 5.40 | IND | 2nd | SA | Raipur | Dec 3, 2025 |
Most Runs Conceded in an Innings (ODIs)
| Player | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy | Team | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prasidh Krishna | 8.2 | 0 | 85 | 2 | 10.20 | IND | SA | Raipur | Dec 3, 2025 |
| Corbin Bosch | 8.0 | 0 | 79 | 0 | 9.87 | SA | IND | Raipur | Dec 3, 2025 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 10.0 | 0 | 78 | 1 | 7.80 | IND | SA | Raipur | Dec 3, 2025 |
| Marco Jansen | 10.0 | 0 | 76 | 2 | 7.60 | SA | IND | Ranchi | Nov 30, 2025 |
| Prenelan Subrayen | 10.0 | 0 | 73 | 0 | 7.30 | SA | IND | Ranchi | Nov 30, 2025 |
| Harshit Rana | 10.0 | 0 | 70 | 1 | 7.00 | IND | SA | Raipur | Dec 3, 2025 |
| Keshav Maharaj | 10.0 | 0 | 70 | 0 | 7.00 | SA | IND | Raipur | Dec 3, 2025 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 10.0 | 0 | 68 | 4 | 6.80 | IND | SA | Ranchi | Nov 30, 2025 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 9.0 | 0 | 66 | 0 | 7.33 | IND | SA | Ranchi | Nov 30, 2025 |
| Corbin Bosch | 10.0 | 0 | 66 | 2 | 6.60 | SA | IND | Ranchi | Nov 30, 2025 |
| Prasidh Krishna | 9.5 | 0 | 66 | 4 | 6.71 | IND | SA | Visakhapatnam | Dec 6, 2025 |
Highest Partnerships by Runs (ODIs)
| Partners | Runs | Wicket | Team | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad | 195 | 3rd | IND | SA | Raipur | Dec 3, 2025 |
| Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal | 155 | 1st | IND | SA | Visakhapatnam | Dec 6, 2025 |
| Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli | 136 | 2nd | IND | SA | Ranchi | Nov 30, 2025 |
| Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal | 116* | 2nd | IND | SA | Visakhapatnam | Dec 6, 2025 |
| Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma | 113 | 2nd | SA | IND | Visakhapatnam | Dec 6, 2025 |
| Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma | 101 | 2nd | SA | IND | Raipur | Dec 3, 2025 |
Records: Six centuries tied the most in a three-match bilateral. India’s 9-wicket win was their largest by wickets vs SA. Kohli’s feats: Most 100s at home in ODIs (26), joint-most 50+ vs SA.
The ODIs reignited India’s confidence, leading to T20I dominance.
T20I Series 2025: India’s Fiery 3-1 Conquest in Boundary-Blitzing Clashes
The T20I leg of the South Africa Tour of India 2025 was a batting bonanza, with India winning 3-1 in the four completed matches. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India exploited home conditions, while South Africa showed flashes but lacked consistency.
High aggregates like 432 in Ahmedabad underlined power-hitting. Tilak Varma’s consistency and Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin were key. South Africa’s Quinton de Kock fired, but injuries to Tony de Zorzi hampered them.
X posts celebrated: “Hardik’s 252 SR – unreal!” from fans.
T20I Match Results Overview
| Match | Venue | Date | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Cuttack | Dec 9, 2025 | India | 101 runs |
| 2nd T20I | New Chandigarh | Dec 11, 2025 | South Africa | 51 runs |
| 3rd T20I | Dharamsala | Dec 14, 2025 | India | 7 wickets |
| 4th T20I | Lucknow | Dec 16, 2025 | Abandoned (fog) | N/A |
| 5th T20I | Ahmedabad | Dec 19, 2025 | India | 30 runs |
1st T20I: Bowling Masterclass Crushes South Africa in Cuttack
India posted 175/10 on a tricky pitch. Hardik’s unbeaten 59* off 28 (6 fours, 4 sixes) rescued from 48/3, with Tilak Varma’s 37 adding support. Ngidi’s 3/31 was SA’s best.
SA collapsed to 74/10 – their lowest T20I total. Arshdeep (2/13) and Bumrah (2/17, reaching 100 T20I wickets) starred, with Axar Patel’s 2/7 economical. India’s 101-run win was their third-largest in T20Is.
Highlight: Bumrah’s milestone wicket, making him the first Indian with 100 scalps in all formats.
2nd T20I: De Kock’s Onslaught Levels Series in New Chandigarh
SA blasted 213/4, de Kock’s 90 off 46 (5 fours, 7 sixes) leading. Markram’s 61 and Donovan Ferreira’s 30* boosted. Arshdeep conceded 54 in 4 overs.
India replied 162/10, Tilak’s 62 off 34 (5 sixes) fighting, but Ottneil Baartman’s 4/24 sealed SA’s 51-run win.
Turning point: De Kock’s seven sixes, the most in a T20I innings vs India in 2025.
3rd T20I: Comfortable Chase in Dharamsala’s Chill
SA managed 117/6, restricted by Varun’s 2/11 and Bumrah’s 2/17.
India chased 120/3 in 15.5 overs. Abhishek Sharma’s 35 off 18 (SR 194.44) and Tilak’s unbeaten knock eased a 7-wicket victory.
Highlight: Abhishek’s aggressive start, setting a platform.
5th T20I: Hardik’s Blitz Seals Series in Ahmedabad
India posted 231/5, Hardik’s 63 off 25 (5 fours, 5 sixes) and Tilak’s 73 in a 105-run stand dazzling.
SA reached 201/10, de Kock’s 50 and Reeza Hendricks’ knock falling short. Varun’s 4/53 and Ngidi’s 2/31 were notable.
30-run win wrapped India’s 3-1 triumph.
Highlight: Hardik’s 252 SR – the highest in the series for 25+ runs.
T20I Series Highlights That Lit Up the Tour
Explosive batting: 10 sixes by de Kock series-wide. Hardik’s dual fifties at SR over 200.
Varun’s 10 wickets at 11.20 controlled middles. Highest aggregate: 432 in Ahmedabad.
Compare to 2022 SA tour: Similar collapses, but 2025 saw more power.
Full stats on Cricbuzz here.
T20I Series Stats & Records Exposed
Most Runs in T20Is
| Player | Team | Matches | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Balls Faced | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | 0s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tilak Varma | IND | 4 | 4 | 1 | 187 | 73 | 62.33 | 142 | 131.69 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 17 | 7 |
| Quinton de Kock | SA | 4 | 4 | 0 | 156 | 90 | 39.00 | 86 | 181.39 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 14 | 10 |
| Hardik Pandya | IND | 4 | 3 | 1 | 142 | 63 | 71.00 | 76 | 186.84 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 11 | 10 |
| Aiden Markram | SA | 4 | 4 | 0 | 110 | 61 | 27.50 | 90 | 122.22 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 5 |
| Abhishek Sharma | IND | 4 | 4 | 0 | 103 | 35 | 25.75 | 59 | 174.57 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 7 |
| Dewald Brevis | SA | 4 | 4 | 0 | 69 | 31 | 17.25 | 48 | 143.75 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 4 |
| Donovan Ferreira | SA | 4 | 4 | 1 | 55 | 30* | 18.33 | 39 | 141.02 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Axar Patel | IND | 2 | 2 | 0 | 44 | 23 | 22.00 | 42 | 104.76 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| David Miller | SA | 3 | 3 | 1 | 39 | 20* | 19.50 | 29 | 134.48 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
| Sanju Samson | IND | 1 | 1 | 0 | 37 | 37 | 37.00 | 22 | 168.18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 |
Most Sixes in an Innings (T20Is)
| Player | Runs | Minutes | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Team | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinton de Kock | 90 | 90 | 46 | 5 | 7 | 195.65 | SA | IND | New Chandigarh | Dec 11, 2025 |
| Tilak Varma | 62 | 76 | 34 | 2 | 5 | 182.35 | IND | SA | New Chandigarh | Dec 11, 2025 |
| Hardik Pandya | 63 | 38 | 25 | 5 | 5 | 252.00 | IND | SA | Ahmedabad | Dec 19, 2025 |
| Hardik Pandya | 59 | 41 | 28 | 6 | 4 | 210.71 | IND | SA | Cuttack | Dec 9, 2025 |
| Donovan Ferreira | 30 | 26 | 16 | 1 | 3 | 187.50 | SA | IND | New Chandigarh | Dec 11, 2025 |
Highest Strike Rates in an Innings (T20Is, min 25 runs)
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Team | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardik Pandya | 63 | 25 | 5 | 5 | 252.00 | IND | SA | Ahmedabad | Dec 19, 2025 |
| Hardik Pandya | 59* | 28 | 6 | 4 | 210.71 | IND | SA | Cuttack | Dec 9, 2025 |
| Quinton de Kock | 90 | 46 | 5 | 7 | 195.65 | SA | IND | New Chandigarh | Dec 11, 2025 |
| Abhishek Sharma | 35 | 18 | 3 | 3 | 194.44 | IND | SA | Dharamsala | Dec 14, 2025 |
| Donovan Ferreira | 30* | 16 | 1 | 3 | 187.50 | SA | IND | New Chandigarh | Dec 11, 2025 |
Most Wickets in T20Is
| Player | Team | Matches | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Best Innings | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | 4-Wicket Hauls | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varun Chakravarthy | IND | 4 | 15.0 | 1 | 112 | 10 | 4/53 | 11.20 | 7.46 | 9.00 | 1 | 0 |
| Lungi Ngidi | SA | 4 | 14.1 | 0 | 109 | 6 | 3/31 | 18.16 | 7.69 | 14.16 | 0 | 0 |
| Ottneil Baartman | SA | 3 | 10.5 | 0 | 97 | 5 | 4/24 | 19.40 | 8.95 | 13.00 | 1 | 0 |
| Arshdeep Singh | IND | 4 | 14.0 | 0 | 128 | 5 | 2/13 | 25.60 | 9.14 | 16.80 | 0 | 0 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | IND | 3 | 11.0 | 0 | 79 | 4 | 2/17 | 19.75 | 7.18 | 16.50 | 0 | 0 |
| Lutho Sipamla | SA | 2 | 8.0 | 0 | 84 | 4 | 2/38 | 21.00 | 10.50 | 12.00 | 0 | 0 |
| Axar Patel | IND | 2 | 5.0 | 0 | 34 | 3 | 2/7 | 11.33 | 6.80 | 10.00 | 0 | 0 |
| Marco Jansen | SA | 4 | 15.0 | 0 | 122 | 3 | 2/25 | 40.66 | 8.13 | 30.00 | 0 | 0 |
| Corbin Bosch | SA | 2 | 6.0 | 0 | 62 | 3 | 2/44 | 20.66 | 10.33 | 12.00 | 0 | 0 |
| Hardik Pandya | IND | 4 | 11.0 | 0 | 114 | 3 | 1/16 | 38.00 | 10.36 | 22.00 | 0 | 0 |
Best Bowling Figures in an Innings (T20Is)
| Player | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy | Team | Innings | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ottneil Baartman | 4.0 | 0 | 24 | 4 | 6.00 | SA | 2nd | IND | New Chandigarh | Dec 11, 2025 |
| Varun Chakravarthy | 4.0 | 0 | 53 | 4 | 13.25 | IND | 2nd | SA | Ahmedabad | Dec 19, 2025 |
| Lungi Ngidi | 4.0 | 0 | 31 | 3 | 7.75 | SA | 1st | IND | Cuttack | Dec 9, 2025 |
| Axar Patel | 2.0 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 3.50 | IND | 2nd | SA | Cuttack | Dec 9, 2025 |
| Varun Chakravarthy | 4.0 | 0 | 11 | 2 | 2.75 | IND | 1st | SA | Dharamsala | Dec 14, 2025 |
Most Runs Conceded in an Innings (T20Is)
| Player | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy | Team | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arshdeep Singh | 4.0 | 0 | 54 | 0 | 13.50 | IND | SA | New Chandigarh | Dec 11, 2025 |
| Varun Chakravarthy | 4.0 | 0 | 53 | 4 | 13.25 | IND | SA | Ahmedabad | Dec 19, 2025 |
| Marco Jansen | 4.0 | 0 | 50 | 0 | 12.50 | SA | IND | Ahmedabad | Dec 19, 2025 |
| Arshdeep Singh | 4.0 | 0 | 47 | 1 | 11.75 | IND | SA | Ahmedabad | Dec 19, 2025 |
| Lutho Sipamla | 4.0 | 0 | 46 | 2 | 11.50 | SA | IND | New Chandigarh | Dec 11, 2025 |
Highest Partnerships by Runs (T20Is)
| Partners | Runs | Wicket | Team | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya | 105 | 4th | IND | SA | Ahmedabad | Dec 19, 2025 |
| Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock | 83 | 2nd | SA | IND | New Chandigarh | Dec 11, 2025 |
| Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock | 69 | 1st | SA | IND | Ahmedabad | Dec 19, 2025 |
| Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma | 63 | 1st | IND | SA | Ahmedabad | Dec 19, 2025 |
| Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma | 60 | 1st | IND | SA | Dharamsala | Dec 14, 2025 |
| David Miller, Donovan Ferreira | 53* | 5th | SA | IND | New Chandigarh | Dec 11, 2025 |
| Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya | 51 | 5th | IND | SA | New Chandigarh | Dec 11, 2025 |
| Quinton de Kock, Dewald Brevis | 51 | 2nd | SA | IND | Ahmedabad | Dec 19, 2025 |
Records: India’s 101-run win in Cuttack was their third-largest in T20Is. De Kock’s 10 sixes series-wide. Hardik’s 252 SR the highest. SA’s 74 all out their lowest ever.
Tour-Wide Key Stats, Records, and Milestones That Defined 2025
The South Africa Tour of India 2025 was part of a stellar year for both teams. SA’s overall 2025: WTC win, CT semi-final, series wins over Aus and Eng in ODIs. India topped Test runs with Shubman Gill (983), but the tour exposed gaps.
Consolidated stats across formats:
Overall Top Run-Scorers Across Formats
| Player | Team | Total Runs | Tests | ODIs | T20Is | Average (Overall) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | IND | 302 (ODIs only, but 651 for India in 2025) | – | 302 | – | 151.00 (ODIs) |
| Tilak Varma | IND | 187 | – | – | 187 | 62.33 |
| Quinton de Kock | SA | 270 | – | 114 | 156 | 38.57 |
| Tristan Stubbs | SA | 163 (Tests) + others | 163 | – | – | 54.33 (Tests) |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | IND | 214 | 58 | 156 | – | 53.50 |
Overall Top Wicket-Takers Across Formats
| Player | Team | Total Wickets | Tests | ODIs | T20Is | Average (Overall) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simon Harmer | SA | 17 | 17 | – | – | 8.94 |
| Marco Jansen | SA | 19 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 24.21 |
| Varun Chakravarthy | IND | 10 | – | – | 10 | 11.20 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | IND | 17 | 8 | 9 | – | 24.70 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | IND | 12 | 8 | – | 4 | 19.13 |
Milestones:
- Kohli: 53rd ODI century, most 100s at home (26), POTM vs SA.
- Bumrah: 100 T20I wickets in Cuttack.
- Harmer: Most wickets by SA spinner in India series.
- SA: First 2-0 in India since 2000, largest run margin (408).
- India: Heaviest home Test defeat, but ODI/T20I wins maintained home invincibility in white-ball (last loss 2022).
2025 global stats context: Gill most Test runs (983), Root ODI (808), but tour stars shone.
Players of the Series and Standout Performances That Stole the Show
Test Series: Simon Harmer – The Spin Sorcerer
Harmer’s recall paid dividends with 17 wickets, including two 4-fers and a 5-fer. His 8/51 in Kolkata and 9/101 in Guwahati earned Player of the Series. “I dreamed of this,” Harmer said post-tour.
ODI Series: Virat Kohli – The Unstoppable Force
Kohli’s 302 runs, two tons, and POTM in Ranchi made him POTS. His 2018-2025 SA dominance: 558 runs in SA, 302 in India. Fans called it “Suffering from success.”
T20I Series: Tilak Varma – Emerging Star
Tilak’s 187 runs at 62.33, two fifties, earned POTS nods. His consistency complemented Hardik’s power.
Other standouts:
- Marco Jansen: Tour MVP with 19 wickets, 106 runs. All-round gem.
- Kuldeep Yadav: 17 wickets across formats, spin control king.
- Quinton de Kock: 270 runs, aggressive opener.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: Maiden ODI ton, Test resistance.
Emerging: Dewald Brevis’ T20I flair, Harshit Rana’s ODI pace.
These performances built on 2025’s highlights, like Kohli’s CT centuries vs Pakistan.
Tour Analysis: Key Takeaways, Lessons Learned, and Future Implications
Why did SA win Tests? Superior spin (Harmer/Maharaj outbowled Jadeja/Kuldeep) and adaptation to conditions. India’s batting fragility on turning tracks – averaging 18 – exposed over-reliance on stars.
India’s white-ball success: Depth in batting, death bowling (Arshdeep, Bumrah), and spin variations (Kuldeep, Varun). SA struggled with consistency, especially in chases.
Conditions impact: Tests on spin-heavy pitches favored SA; ODIs/T20Is on flats suited India.
Implications: For WTC 2025-27, SA strengthened claims; India needs batting fixes. Ahead of 2026 T20 WC, India’s explosiveness (Hardik, Tilak) looks promising. SA’s year (WTC, CT semis) rates 9/10.
What if Rabada played full series? Could SA have swept all? Ponder that as we wrap.
Conclusion: A Memorable Tour That Elevated the India-South Africa Rivalry
The South Africa Tour of India 2025 was a contrast of triumphs: SA’s historic Test sweep versus India’s limited-overs mastery. It produced records, heroes like Kohli and Harmer, and moments etched in memory.
As cricket evolves, this series reminded us of Test cricket’s purity and white-ball’s thrill. For “IPL Star” readers, it sets the stage for IPL 2026 buzz.
Share your favorite moment in comments – was it Kohli’s ton or Harmer’s haul? Who was your Player of the Tour? Let’s discuss!
FAQs: South Africa Tour of India 2025
- Who won the South Africa Tour of India 2025 series overall?
South Africa dominated the Test leg by winning the Freedom Trophy 2-0, marking their first Test series victory in India in 25 years. India fought back strongly to win the ODI series 2-1 and the T20I series 3-1 (4 matches played). The South Africa Tour of India 2025 was a thrilling multi-format battle with contrasting results. - What was the result of the Freedom Trophy 2025 in the IND vs SA Test series 2025?
South Africa achieved a historic 2-0 clean sweep in the Freedom Trophy 2025. They won the first Test in Kolkata by 30 runs and the second in Guwahati by a massive 408 runs – India’s heaviest home defeat by runs. - Who was the standout performer in the South Africa Tour of India 2025 Test series?
Simon Harmer was sensational, taking 17 wickets at an average of 8.94, the most by a visiting spinner in a two-Test series in India. Marco Jansen’s all-round heroics (12 wickets and 106 runs) also played a pivotal role in South Africa’s 2-0 victory. - How did India perform in the ODI series during the South Africa Tour of India 2025?
South Africa Tour of India 2025 India clinched the three-match ODI series 2-1 with dominant batting displays. They posted high totals and chased comfortably in decisive games, led by Virat Kohli’s incredible 302 runs including two centuries. - Who scored the most runs in the ODI series of South Africa Tour of India 2025?
South Africa Tour of India 2025 Virat Kohli topped the charts with 302 runs at an astonishing average of 151.00, including centuries of 135 and 102. His masterful performances earned him Player of the Series. - What were the key highlights from the T20I series in the India vs South Africa 2025 tour?
India won the T20I series 3-1 with explosive batting from Tilak Varma (187 runs) and Hardik Pandya (142 runs at SR 186.84). South Africa Tour of India 2025 Matches featured high aggregates, including 432 runs in Ahmedabad. - Who took the most wickets in the T20I leg of the South Africa Tour of India 2025?
South Africa Tour of India 2025 Varun Chakravarthy led with 10 wickets at an average of 11.20, including a 4/53 haul. His mystery spin was crucial in India’s 3-1 series victory. - What are some major records broken during the South Africa Tour of India 2025?
South Africa Tour of India 2025 Notable records include Simon Harmer’s 17 Test wickets, Virat Kohli’s 302 ODI runs in a three-match bilateral series, India’s heaviest home Test defeat (408 runs), and Hardik Pandya’s 252 strike rate in a T20I innings. - Which venues hosted matches in the IND vs SA 2025 series?
South Africa Tour of India 2025 Tests: Eden Gardens (Kolkata) and Guwahati. ODIs: Ranchi, Raipur, Visakhapatnam. T20Is: Cuttack, New Chandigarh, Dharamsala, and Ahmedabad (one match abandoned in Lucknow). - Why is the South Africa Tour of India 2025 considered historic for South Africa?
South Africa’s 2-0 Test sweep ended a 25-year drought for a Test series win in India and proved their adaptability on turning tracks. South Africa Tour of India 2025 It reinforced their status as reigning World Test Champions heading into the 2025-27 WTC cycle.