The competition between South Africa and India has been one of the most interesting stories in contemporary cricket. Ever since South Africa returned to international cricket in 1991, the matches between the two cricketing giants have brought about memorable moments, exciting endings and historic milestones.
The India national cricket team vs South Africa national cricket team timeline reflects a balanced rivalry where both sides have enjoyed periods of dominance across formats.
It has been a battle of Test matches on quick South African wickets, of high-scoring ODIs and of T20Is that seem to be heart-attack inducing. We shall look at the full chronology, head-to-head, critical personalities and statistical features that have characterized this cricketing epic.
Historical Background
In 1991, South Africa came back to international cricket after being isolated by apartheid. Their initial series was with India and it was the start of an inter-competitive rivalry. The Proteas were invited to play a three match ODI series in India under the leadership of Mohammad Azharuddin.
The competition has changed over the years:
- In South Africa, India did not get along well at the beginning because of the pace-friendly conditions.
- South Africa struggled to compete in India with heavy spin attacks.
- Both the teams have created legendary players that influenced the contests, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Dale Steyn, Jacques Kallis, and AB de Villiers.
Recent Match Timeline (2024–2025)
The most recent encounters have been fierce with both sides exchanging victories in the different formats.
India vs South Africa Recent Matches (2024–2025)
| Year | Match | Format | Venue | Result |
| 2025 | IND vs SA, 2nd T20I | T20I | New Chandigarh | SA won by 51 runs |
| 2025 | IND vs SA, 1st T20I | T20I | Cuttack | India won by 101 runs |
| 2025 | IND vs SA, 3rd ODI | ODI | Visakhapatnam | India won by 9 wickets |
| 2025 | IND vs SA, 2nd ODI | ODI | Raipur | SA won by 4 wickets |
| 2025 | IND vs SA, 1st ODI | ODI | Ranchi | India won by 17 runs |
| 2025 | IND vs SA, 2nd Test | Test | Guwahati | SA won by 408 runs |
| 2025 | IND vs SA, 1st Test | Test | Kolkata | SA won by 30 runs |
| 2024 | T20 World Cup Final | T20I | Bridgetown | India won by 7 runs |
These games underscore the unpredictability of the competition, India winning in T20Is, South Africa retaliating in Tests, and ODIs being in a close.
Head-to-Head Records
Test Cricket
South Africa has recorded a history of dominance in Tests, particularly in its home country. The turning point of India came in 2006 when they won the first Test in South Africa. South Africa shocked India in 2025 by becoming the first country to win a series of Tests in India.
Test Head-to-Head
| Matches | India Wins | SA Wins | Draws | India Win % | SA Win % |
| 46 | 16 | 20 | 10 | 34.78% | 43.48% |
ODI Cricket
ODIs between South Africa and India have had some of the most memorable matches. Since Tendulkar scored a double century to South Africa chasing a record of 438/4, the competition has been drama-filled.
ODI Head-to-Head
| Matches | India Wins | SA Wins | No Result | India Win % | SA Win % |
| 97 | 42 | 52 | 3 | 43.30% | 53.61% |
T20I Cricket
The shortest format has been dominated by India with their victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup Final over South Africa.
T20I Head-to-Head
| Matches | India Wins | SA Wins | No Result | India Win % | SA Win % |
| 33 | 19 | 13 | 1 | 57.58% | 39.39% |
Format-Wise Winning Percentages
| Format | India Win % | SA Win % | Leader |
| Test | 34.78% | 43.48% | South Africa |
| ODI | 43.30% | 53.61% | South Africa |
| T20I | 57.58% | 39.39% | India |
| Overall | 45.76% | 47.63% | South Africa |
This demonstrates the equal competition between the two countries, South Africa is the leader in Tests and ODIs, and India is the leader in T20Is.
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Key Players & Squads (2025)
Both teams boast world-class talent.
Table: 2025 Squads Comparison
| Role | India | South Africa |
| Captain | Shubman Gill (ODI), Suryakumar Yadav (T20I) | Temba Bavuma (ODI/Test), Aiden Markram (T20I) |
| Top-Order Batters | Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma | de Kock, Markram, Stubbs |
| All-Rounders | Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel | Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch |
| Fast Bowlers | Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh | Nortje, Ngidi |
| Spinners | Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy | Keshav Maharaj |
Statistical Highlights
Top Run-Scorers
- Sachin Tendulkar: 2001 ODI runs vs SA.
- Virat Kohli: 1806 ODI runs vs SA.
- Hashim Amla: 1645 Test runs vs India.
Top Wicket-Takers
- Anil Kumble: 84 Test wickets vs SA.
- Dale Steyn: 65 Test wickets vs India.
- Arshdeep Singh: 20 T20I wickets vs SA.
All-Time Records
| Format | Player | Runs/Wickets | Matches | Best |
| Test | Sachin Tendulkar | 1741 runs | 22 | 214 |
| Test | Hashim Amla | 1645 runs | 20 | 253* |
| ODI | Tendulkar | 2001 runs | 46 | 200* |
| ODI | Kohli | 1806 runs | 29 | 160* |
| T20I | David Miller | 524 runs | 23 | 106* |
| T20I | Arshdeep Singh | 20 wickets | 13 | 5/37 |
Upcoming Matches (2025 T20I Series)
The competition will be followed by a three-match T20I series in India:
- 3rd T20I – Dharamsala
- 4th T20I – Lucknow
- 5th T20I – Ahmedabad
The game has been drawn at 1-1 and the final is now set to be a thriller.
Broadcasting Guide
The action is available live on:
- TV: Star Sports Network
- Online: JioHotstar (released in several languages)
Final Word
The India national cricket team vs South Africa national cricket team timeline is a testament to one of cricket’s most balanced rivalries. South Africa has the lead in Tests and ODIs whereas India is in the lead in T20Is. Both teams have been loaded with young talent and experienced stars and the competition is set to be fierce and unpredictable.
It could be the masterclass of Kohli, the yorkers of Bumrah, the explosive batting of de Kock or the blistering pace of Nortje but it is always a treat to the fans of cricket around the globe to watch India vs South Africa.
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