As India and South Africa are set to face each other in a high-stake two-match Test series starting November 14, with matches scheduled at Eden Gardens in Kolkata and ACA Stadium in Guwahati, it is worth revisiting the debut of a man who not only redefined opening in Test match cricket but also changed it forever. The Nawab of Najafgarh Virender Sehwag made his Test debut against South Africa in Bloemfontein on November 3, 2001.Sehwag’s Test debut was marked by an impressive century, scoring 105 runs off 173 balls while batting at number 6. He formed a crucial 220-run partnership with Sachin Tendulkar, helping India recover from 68/4 to reach 379 in the first innings, though India ultimately lost the match by nine wickets.The former Indian cricketer’s journey to becoming a Test opener began when he was promoted to the position during the Lord’s Test of 2002, by then coach John Wright and captain Sourav Ganguly. Despite initial reluctance, Sehwag proved his worth with a confident 84 in his first innings as an opener.Before his Test career, Sehwag made his ODI debut in 1999 and was primarily considered a limited-overs specialist. His aggressive batting style transformed the traditional approach to Test cricket opening.Known as the Nawab of Najafgarh, Sehwag’s Test career spanned 104 matches, during which he accumulated 8,586 runs with a strike rate of 82.23. His Test record includes 23 centuries and 32 half-centuries, along with 40 wickets as a part-time bowler.The upcoming India-South Africa Test series marks the return of these two cricket powerhouses to the Test format. South Africa enters the series as the current ICC World Test Champions.The two venues selected for the series are historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata for the first Test and ACA Stadium in Guwahati for the second Test.South Africa, who last won the Freedom Trophy at home in 2021-22 by 2-1, were whitewashed 0-3 on their previous tour of India in 2019.Overall, India and South Africa have met in 17 Test series since the Proteas’ readmission in 1992, with contests often defined by home dominance.South Africa lead with eight series wins, India have won five, while four have been drawn.At home, South Africa have been dominant, winning seven of nine series, with two draws (2010-11 and 2023-24) denying India a single series win.India on the other hand have dominated the rivalry at home, winning five of eight, with South Africa’s only success coming in 1999-00.
