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South Africa captain Temba Bavuma is back in charge of the World Test champions after missing the two-match Test series against Pakistan last month. Bavuma who led the Proteas to the World Test Championships title earlier this year will face one of his toughest challenges yet as they get ready to face India in a two-match Test series beginning at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday. Speaking exclusively on JioStar’s ‘Follow The Blues’ South African skipper Temba Bavuma shared his thoughts about the Test series. “India is a formidable side especially at home but we’re confident about our abilities. We’ve been working hard to adapt to conditions and this two-match series will be a great test of where we stand in the subcontinent” Bavuma said. Bavuma will be playing in his 65th Test for the country starting on Friday and has scored 3708 runs at an average of 38.22 with 4 hundreds and 25 fifties so far. The 35-year-old Proteas captain felt that Indian skipper Shubman Gill has big shoes to fill taking over from Rohit Sharma. “It’s exciting times for Indian cricket. I think Shubman has big shoes to fill in. Taking over from a guy like Rohit Sharma and what hes done for Indian cricket. But Shubman is a fantastic player and the way he started in England. first of all as a batter its never easy going to England and scoring runs. So to be able to do that and with the responsibility of a Captain thats a big feat” Bavuma said. The SA captain had nothing but praise for wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Bavuma had faced Jurel while turning out for South Africa A in a multi-day match earlier this month and the Rajasthan Royals stumper scored centuries in both innings in that match. “I got to see Dhruv Jurel closely when South Africa A played against India A in Bangalore. He’s a fantastic batter technically solid and mentally sharp. If he continues developing the way he is I can see him becoming a key part of India’s future setup. He’s definitely an exciting young player to watch” Bavuma said about Jurel.   Big shoes to fill! South Africa’s skipper #TembaBavuma believes India’s young gun #ShubmanGill has shown he truly belongs at the highest level and there’s no looking back now! #INDvSA 1st Test | FRI 14 NOV | 8:30 AM on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/T3aQJ67CqN — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 13 2025 Meanwhile India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal wasn’t concerned about averages or statistics ahead of the Test series but wants to give his best for the team. Speaking exclusively on JioStar’s ‘Follow The Blues’ India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal shared insights on his mindset ahead of the Test series. “I’m happy with the way I’ve been playing and performing. I just focus on what I can do in the middle and how I can contribute to the team. I don’t think about my average or stats; I just concentrate on my process on taking one match at a time and giving my best for the team. That focus helps me perform under pressure and stay consistent. I really value my practice sessions that’s what keeps me grounded and confident” Jaiswal said. On Shubman Gill the opener added “I share great camaraderie with Shubman. He’s a gentleman and a great friend too. Playing with him is always enjoyable and he’s one of the great players of our generation.”