SA vs IND, 2nd Test; India aims to overcome Cape Town Jinx and make a comeback

In a bid to bounce back from their current 0-1 series deficit, India is gearing up to face South Africa in the second and final Test at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town on Wednesday, January 3. After a disappointing loss in the first Test at Centurion, Team India is determined to draw the Cape Town Test and avoid another series defeat. Following the humbling defeat against the Proteas in the opening Test, India is expected to make strategic changes to the playing XI. The return of Ravindra Jadeja, who missed the Centurion Test due to a back spasm, is anticipated to bring balance and strength to the team.

India faces the daunting task of breaking a winless streak at Cape Town, having never won a Test match at Newlands Cricket Ground since their first visit in 1992. With six Tests played at the venue, India has suffered four losses and managed to secure two draws. The last time they played in Cape Town in January 2022, South Africa emerged victorious, bundling out India for 223 and 198 in the first and second innings respectively.

The final Test holds sentimental significance for South Africa as Dean Elgar leads the team in his farewell match, replacing the regular skipper Temba Bavuma, who is ruled out due to a hamstring strain. Elgar's impactful innings of 185 in the first Test has set the tone for a fitting farewell. South Africa will miss the services of Gerald Coetzee in the second Test, with Keshav Maharaj expected to step in.