India and South Africa share one of the most competitive rivalries in Test cricket. From dramatic collapses to record-breaking totals, the battle between the two nations has produced some of the finest red-ball contests over the last three decades.
With the 2025 Test series currently underway and South Africa winning the opening Test at Eden Gardens by 30 runs, the rivalry has once again taken center stage. Here is the complete head-to-head record, result summary, highest & lowest totals, and latest updates.
Latest Update: South Africa Go 1–0 Up in India (Nov 2025)
1st Test, Eden Gardens (Nov 14–16, 2025)
- South Africa won by 30 runs
- Scores:
- India: 189 & 93
- South Africa: 159 & 153
South Africa’s bowlers produced a sensational effort on a challenging surface. India, despite gaining a first-innings lead of 30 runs, faltered in the final innings after being bowled out for 93.
The win gives South Africa early control in the two-match Test series.
Next Match: 2nd Test — Guwahati
- Date: November 22, 2025
- Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
- Time: 9:00 AM IST
- Series Status: South Africa lead 1–0
India vs South Africa — Test Head-to-Head Overview
Overall H2H Summary (1992–2025)
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Drawn | Tie | Win% | Loss% | Draw% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 45 | 16 | 19 | 10 | 0 | 35.55% | 42.22% | 22.22% |
| South Africa | 45 | 19 | 16 | 10 | 0 | 42.22% | 35.55% | 22.22% |
South Africa hold a slim lead in overall wins, while India have been much stronger at home.
Home & Away Record (Tests)
| Category | India | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 44 | 44 |
| India Wins | 16 | — |
| South Africa Wins | 18 | — |
| Draws | 10 | — |
| India Home Wins | 13 | — |
| India Away Wins | 5 | — |
| South Africa Home Wins vs India | 18 | — |
South Africa remain one of the toughest opponents for India away from home, while India dominate series hosted in India.
Last 10 Match-by-Match Results (Selected Summary)
(Latest match first)
| Winner | Margin | Venue | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 30 runs | Eden Gardens | Nov 14–16, 2025 |
| India | 7 wickets | Cape Town | Jan 3–4, 2024 |
| South Africa | Innings & 32 runs | Centurion | Dec 26–28, 2023 |
| South Africa | 7 wickets | Cape Town | Jan 11–14, 2022 |
| South Africa | 7 wickets | Johannesburg | Jan 3–6, 2022 |
| India | 113 runs | Centurion | Dec 26–30, 2021 |
| India | Innings & 202 runs | Ranchi | Oct 19–22, 2019 |
| India | Innings & 137 runs | Pune | Oct 10–13, 2019 |
| India | 203 runs | Visakhapatnam | Oct 2–6, 2019 |
| India | 63 runs | Johannesburg | Jan 24–27, 2018 |
Know more? Rishabh Pant Captaincy Record
Highest Team Totals in India vs South Africa Tests
| Team | Score | Innings | Venue | Result | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 643/6d | 2nd | Eden Gardens | Won | Feb 14, 2010 |
| India | 627 | 2nd | Chennai | Draw | Mar 26, 2008 |
| South Africa | 620/4d | 2nd | Centurion | Won | Dec 16, 2010 |
| India | 601/5d | 1st | Pune | Won | Oct 10, 2019 |
| South Africa | 563 | 2nd | Bloemfontein | Won | Nov 3, 2001 |
| South Africa | 558/6d | 1st | Nagpur | Won | Feb 6, 2010 |
India and South Africa have crossed the 600-run mark multiple times, showing the rivalry has produced some batting classics.
Lowest Team Totals in India vs South Africa Tests
| Team | Score | Innings | Venue | Result | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 55 | 1st | Cape Town | Lost | Jan 3, 2024 |
| India | 66 | 4th | Durban | Lost | Dec 26, 1996 |
| India | 76 | 1st | Ahmedabad | Lost | Apr 3, 2008 |
| South Africa | 79 | 2nd | Nagpur | Lost | Nov 25, 2015 |
| South Africa | 84 | 2nd | Johannesburg | Lost | Dec 15, 2006 |
| India | 93 | 4th | Eden Gardens | Lost | Nov 14, 2025 |
India’s latest collapse to 93 in Eden Gardens (2025) now features among the lowest totals in this historic rivalry.
Rivalry Analysis
- South Africa dominate at home, using pace-friendly surfaces to trouble Indian batters.
- India dominate at home with spin and strong first-innings batting.
- The rivalry has produced extremes:
- 600+ totals
- collapses under 100
- several innings victories
- The latest 2025 series is once again reminding fans of the unpredictability between the two sides.
The second Test begins November 22, 2025 in Guwahati, where India must win to level the series. A draw or loss will hand South Africa a rare Test series win on Indian soil.
Read more: Temba Bavuma Captaincy Record
Conclusion
India vs South Africa in Tests is a rivalry built on intensity, skill, and contrasting conditions. With the 2025 series delicately poised at 1–0 in South Africa’s favour, all eyes now shift to Guwahati as India aim to make a strong comeback.
