IND vs SA 2025: ‘Who have they beaten? Where they played? ’ - Ex-captain slams naysayers who questioned South Africa's road to WTC 2025 final

South Africa are right on top in the ongoing second and final Test match against India at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. If the Proteas can avoid a defeat, which seems all but certain, they will win a Test series on Indian soil after 25 years.

Former South African captain Shaun Pollock praised Temba Bavuma and Co. and mocked the critics who questioned the lack of competitive series they played en route to the World Test Championship final earlier this year. The cricketer-turned-commentator highlighted South Africa's impressive performances on the tour of Pakistan and now in India. He also backed the Proteas to do well when they face Sri Lanka down the line.

"Particularly after the last WTC final, where they got there and people said, ‘Who have they beaten and where they played’. You look at it now, you go to Pakistan, you draw the series and you come to India, you get two wins if it goes according to plan. Then you head to Sri Lanka where you can do some damage as well. That would be huge," Pollock said while speaking to Murali Kartik on Cricbuzz.

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South Africa took a huge lead of 288 runs in the first innings of the second Test against India on Day 3. However, the World Test Champions decided not to enforce the follow-on. Pollock tried to explain the reason why they opted to bat again.

"I think there could’ve been that awkward period for India. I just think the Indian innings went on for a bit too long because Kuldeep and Washington put that partnership together and extended it. I think if they got bowled out in like 60 overs, they would’ve said, “Okay, let’s follow on”. I just think the extra 20 overs meant that maybe they felt like, “Oh, okay, let’s have a night’s sleep. Let’s have a morning where we’re nice, relaxed and get a nice massages in the change room and then maybe after the tea break tomorrow, declare and say, ‘Okay, we’ve posted 450 or whatever,’" Pollock stated.