That historic triumph has injected fresh confidence into the squad ahead of the crucial One-Day International series, which gets underway on Saturday.

With the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka fast approaching - and the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup set to be hosted primarily in South Africa, with Namibia and Zimbabwe as co-hosts - there is plenty riding on the Proteas’ preparations.

Nandré Burger - Cricinfo

South Africa’s white-ball tour to Pakistan didn’t go according to plan, but the squad in India is stronger, more settled, and buoyed by the belief that came with their Test heroics.

Proteas left-arm seamer Nandré Burger told OFM Sport that the confidence gained from what the Test side achieved in Kolkata and Guwahati has filtered through the camp.

“The mood in the camp is very exciting,” Burger said.

“Everyone’s ready to go. Even with the switch in format, the Test series win was incredible for South African cricket - it shows that we’re here to keep dominating across all three formats.

“We know India will come out firing in their own backyard, playing to win - and so will we. It’s going to be a proper series, and hopefully one that’s well worth watching.”

While the ODI squad isn’t identical to the Test group, several key figures remain involved. Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, and Keshav Maharaj will feature, while the explosive Dewald Brevis and the seasoned campaigner Quinton de Kock add even more firepower.

Quinton de Kock - Cricinfo

Burger added that regardless of who takes the field, the mission remains the same for anyone wearing the Protea badge.

“It’s a slightly different team, but the belief never changes,” he said.

“We always go out to represent our country as best we can, and we arrive with the mindset that we can win the series.”

The first ODI will be played in Ranchi on Sunday, with the first ball scheduled for 10:00.

Proteas Squad - Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandré Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Prenelan Subrayen

Morgan Piek OFM Sport