"2-0" - Former India coach predicts scoreline of IND vs SA 2025 Test series

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has predicted the outcome of the two-Test series against South Africa. The series is scheduled to begin on Friday, November 14, with Eden Gardens in Kolkata hosting the first Test. The second Test will start on November 22 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

On the eve of the first Test, during a discussion on ESPNcricinfo on Thursday, November 13, Sanjay Bangar backed the hosts to whitewash South Africa in the two-match series, saying:

“Look, it’s going to be a test for the Indian team, but I still see India winning the series 2-0. The Indian batting lineup is very strong, and considering the quality they have in their bowling attack, overall in terms of skill, India are the better team. That’s why I would predict a 2-0 series win for India.”

Meanwhile, South Africa suffered a 3-0 whitewash during their last tour of India in 2019.

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“Conditions weren’t manipulated too much” - Sanjay Bangar gives insight into how long the Eden Gardens Test may last

During the same discussion, Sanjay Bangar was asked how long the Eden Gardens game would last, to which the former India all-rounder replied:

“Look, whenever I come here, it’s always a five-day match. I would still say that the two games we saw against the West Indies were played on proper pitches, meaning the conditions weren’t manipulated too much in their favor. I think that’s the right approach because it gives Indian batters a good opportunity to score runs on home pitches, and the spinners have to work hard to take wickets, which is an advantage when the Indian team travels abroad. It’s a good thing that victories are earned through hard work, because if you try to take shortcuts, it can backfire, as we experienced in the New Zealand series.”

Shubman Gill’s side defeated the West Indies 2-0 in the two-game series during their last home assignment.