Facing India on their home turf arguably rates as one of the toughest, if not the toughest, assignments for any visiting team in Test cricket, and it is rare for the hosts to get rolled over on home soil. The Proteas come off a 1-1 series draw against Pakistan, where they were fairly average in the first Test in Lahore, which they lost by 93 runs, but then sublime in the second Test in Rawalpindi, securing an eight-wicket victory.

Spin in Pakistan was on another level, and while it is expected to be less of a factor in India, Kolkata in particular is anticipated to offer reverse swing for the seamers.

Keshav Maharaj. Photo: Cricinfo

South Africa’s leading spinner, Keshav Maharaj, who took 7/102 and 2/34 in Rawalpindi, said the team is backing themselves more and more on the subcontinent. For them, it’s all about sticking to the basics and executing them really well.

“Firstly, there’s a real hunger and desire within the camp to beat India,” said Maharaj.

“Touring India is probably one of the toughest assignments, if not the toughest, on the Proteas’ calendar. Over the years, some teams have managed to cross that hurdle, but as a unit, we see this as one of our biggest tests, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to measure how far we’ve come.

“Slowly but surely, we’ve started to conquer other parts of the subcontinent, and I feel like this is one assignment we really want to embrace. The guys are focused on doing the basics well and maintaining the intensity at which we operate, regardless of where the toss goes.”

Maharaj added that building on their strong performance in Rawalpindi is important, where they managed to turn things around in the blink of an eye.

Simon Harmer. Photo: Cricinfo

“We’ve carried some momentum from that second Test in Pakistan, where we showed that, no matter the circumstances, we’re going to fight and try to force the result our way,” the veteran spinner said. “There’s been a real precision in how we’ve gone about our business during this cycle, and even in the previous one in the subcontinent.

“We’re just focusing on what we do best as a unit. Partnerships have been key for us, whether with bat or ball, and it’s been encouraging to see how the group shares responsibility whenever someone needs to step up. That collective character is what drives us forward.”

The India-Proteas match at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata is scheduled to start at 06:00 on Friday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh