South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada has called his team’s 30-run win over India in the first Test at Eden Gardens one of their top three victories in the longer format. The victory, which came inside three days, marked South Africa’s first Test triumph on Indian soil since 2010 and gave them an early lead in the two-match series. Speaking in a video posted by the Proteas Men on X (formerly Twitter), Rabada said the team’s performance in Kolkata reflected character, resilience, and a strong belief in collective effort.

“Definitely right up there,” Rabada said on the win. “With the types of wins we’ve had this season, it’s hard to say because we’ve had some pretty epic wins. But this one is definitely in the top three.” Despite missing the Test due to a rib injury, the fast bowler said watching the match unfold from the sidelines was a nerve-wracking experience. “That was typical Test cricket—the ebbs and flows of the game,” he explained. “We found ourselves on the back foot and then somehow managed to finish on the front foot.”

Rabada described the match as an “emotional roller coaster,” adding that the result exemplified the team’s fighting spirit and depth. “No matter who sits out, we can still find a way to win,” he said, acknowledging the contributions of Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Marco Jansen, and Keshav Maharaj. “Everyone chipped in—that’s the hallmark of what this team is made of.”

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The 29-year-old also praised captain Temba Bavuma’s leadership, noting that South Africa’s recent consistency in the Test format came from a strong sense of belief and shared responsibility within the squad. “Temba has been crucial for us, but he hasn’t played every game. I didn’t play this game either. That doesn’t matter. Whoever represents the team, we back them to get the job done,” Rabada added.

With the Kolkata win, the reigning World Test Champions secured 12 important points in the World Test Championship cycle. The Proteas will now travel to Guwahati for the second and final Test, beginning Saturday at the ACA Stadium, where India will look to level the series and South Africa will aim to seal a memorable away triumph.

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