'We had dark days...': Temba Bavuma reveals how a big shift in South Africa's mindset helped them sweep Test series against India

India's woes culminated in a heavy defeat on Day 5 of the second Test in Guwahati, as South Africa sealed a dominant 2-0 series sweep. Tasked with chasing a steep target, the Indian batting order suffered a catastrophic collapse, folding cheaply for 140 well before lunch while chasing a 549-run target. The middle order buckled under the sustained pressure, with South African spin duo Simon Harmer (6/37) and Keshav Maharaj (2/37) dictating terms and highlighting deep-seated technical and temperamental issues within the host side, who struggled to fire on all cylinders throughout the series.

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Not every day you can come to India and walk away with a 2-0 series win: Temba Bavuma

Following the victory, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma praised his team's comprehensive effort. He termed the historic win as one of the most biggest achievements of his career, especially considering his recent return from injury and the team's struggles leading up to the series. Bavuma credited the team's changed mindset after surviving dark days which helped them clinch Test series triumph over India.

“It's massive. For me personally, been out of the game for a couple of months with injury. Not every day you can come to India and walk away with a 2-0 series win. What's special is we had dark days as a group and it's a credit to them. There's a big shift in our mindsets in terms of what we want to do. I think our preparation is something guys go out there looking to contribute. Anyone on their day can do it for their team, that's the belief. As a team we are really in a good space. The way we performed here will grow our confidence even more," Bavuma said at the post-match presentation.

"That's a big thing, everyone wants to know where they stand. Guys want to be the man for their team. Everyone has contributed. We don't see big 100s, but we have got 4-5 guys contributing. I can go on and on about my team but yeah. Simon has the experience of playing here in India in 2015, he complements Keshav quite well. Bit more guile with the ball, it's a struggle to take the ball out of their hands. Simon was the man for us this series,” he added.

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South Africa's historic Test series win over India

It wasn't some ordinary win for the Proteas, as they created history on Wednesday, November 26, by achieving a feat no other team has managed, i.e whitewashing India twice in a home Test series. Under the leadership of Bavuma, South Africa got the better of India by 408 runs in Guwahati, securing a comprehensive 2-0 series victory. This landmark feat echoes a previous success, as South Africa also won the two-match Test series in India 2-0 back in 2000. This makes South Africa the only team in the world to have won every match of a Test series against India, while playing in India, on two separate occasions.