India vs South Africa is always a special encounter when it comes to iconic cricketing rivalries. The tussles between these two sides are crammed with pace and spin, pressure and match-winning performances that must never be forgotten. Be it the green tracks of Durban or the turning pitches of Chennai, both sides are at their best when they face each other.
This comprehensive piece looks into the overall head-to-head between India and South Africa across Tests, ODIs and T20Is, as well as form guide, highlights and what has been trending recently. NOTE: All stats below are as of December, 2025.
India vs South Africa Head to Head Records All Formats
| Format | Matches | IND Wins | SA Wins | Draw / NR / Tie |
| Tests | 44 | 16 | 18 | 10 draws |
| ODIs | 94 | 40 | 51 | 3 NR |
| T20Is | 31 | 18 | 12 | 1 NR |
| Overall | 169 | 74 | 81 | 14 |
India vs South Africa in Test Cricket
| Detail | Number |
| Matches Played | 44 |
| IND Wins | 16 |
| SA Wins | 18 |
| Draws | 10 |
Intensity and balance are the two adjectives that come to mind when describing Test cricket between India and South Africa. Though India have thrived at home with spin-friendly pitches, South Africa’s fast bowlers have historically troubled Indian batsmen on seaming tracks.
Recent Highlight (2025)
South Africa’s 2025 test series win in India, culminating in an upset 2-0 victory (including a 408-run thrashing at Guwahati and narrowly falling while pursuing an improbable fourth-innings chase of 431 to take out the second) was one of their most startling results over the past few years. This was one of India’s heaviest defeats by runs and sealed South Africa’s first Test series victory on Indian soil in 25 years.
What makes the Test series special?
- India’s spin prowess vs South Africa’s fast-bowling might
- Challenging away tours for each team
- Several Stare Downs (Dravid vs Pollock, Steyn vs Kohli, Bumrah vs Elgar)
India vs South Africa in ODI
| Detail | Number |
| Matches Played | 94 |
| IND Wins | 40 |
| SA Wins | 51 |
| No Result | 3 |
In the ODI format, things have swung in favour of South Africa more than launching above their weight, especially during the early turn of century and mid-teens periods. Yet India have vastly improved and won several key bilateral and ICC matches over the last 10 years.
Why ODIs between IND vs SA are always thrilling
- High-scoring run-fests
- Strong top-order batting battles
- World class fast bowlers on either side
- Several 300+ totals in the last couple of years
Whether it is chasing in Johannesburg or batting first in Nagpur, between these two sides are regularly nail-biters.
India vs South Africa in T20I
| Detail | Number |
| Matches Played | 31 |
| IND Wins | 18 |
| SA Wins | 12 |
| No Result | 1 |
India have 9 T20Is against Bangladesh under their belt with clear edge. The depth of their batting, the variety in their bowling and the might they possess towards the end has kept them in this format.
Key Elements of IND vs SA T20 Challenges
- India’s Power-hitters vs SA’s Pace battery
- Small margins and close finishes
- Regular series in India and South Africa enhance the rivalry
Trends in the India vs South Africa Rivalry
Home Advantage Is Crucial
- India rule home Tests with spin.
- South Africa rule ODIs and Tests at home on pace-friendly wickets.
White Ball Cricket is Evenly Poised
In recent years India’s performance in ODI and T20 cricket has improved in South Africa. Equally South Africa have adjusted to Indian conditions with their aggressive style of batting.
Rising Stars Shaping the Rivalry
Players like:
- India players – Shubman Gill, Bumrah, Siraj, Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Markram, Jansen, Rabada + Klaasen (South Africa)
- have given a new twist to the IND vs SA tale.
Historical Timeline – Key Moments
1992–2000
Early contests were characterized by South Africa’s pace domination and India’s stout middle order.
2000–2015
A period of equilibrium where the teams traded victories in home series. SA’s golden pace era (Steyn, Morkel, Philander) never let India settle and India was unbeatable at home.
2015–2023
And India became world-beaters in Tests at home and competitive away, closing the head-to-head gap on SA even further.
2023–2025
- Multiple bilateral series across formats
- India dominating T20Is
- South Africa coming from behind in Tests during 2025 tour of India
Why India vs South Africa Manages to Remain a Top-Level Rivalry
Unlike some old rivalries based on long political or regional narratives, this one between India and South Africa is all about cricket.
It’s built on:
- Consistently competitive matches
- High-quality cricket
- Legendary players
- Mutual respect between teams
- Beautiful mismatch of styles (spin vs pace)
Whenever they meet – whether it is a T20 in Durban or a Test in Mumbai – fans expect fireworks, drama and memories that will endure for ever.
Conclusion
The India vs South Africa head-to-head battle is a different story. We are 1 behind in the overall tally, but having 2 T20Is and ICC matches in general where winning counts as dominating while losing doesn’t it’s very much a cakewalk for India to go ahead. With young guns emerging on both sides and regular tours to the countries, there will be plenty more of such edge-of-the-seat drama in the future.
India vs South Africa Last 10 ODIs Match Results
| Sr. | Date/Year | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dec 3, 2025 | (Result Pending |
| 2 | Nov 30, 2025 | India beat South Africa by 17 runs |
| 3 | 21 Dec 2023 | India beat South Africa by 78 runs |
| 4 | 19 Dec 2023 | South Africa beat India by 8 wickets |
| 5 | 17 Dec 2023 | India beat South Africa by 8 wickets |
| 6 | 5 Nov 2023 | India beat South Africa by 243 runs |
| 7 | 11 Oct 2022 | India beat South Africa by 7 wickets |
| 8 | 9 Oct 2022 | India beat South Africa by 7 wickets |
| 9 | 6 Oct 2022 | South Africa beat India by 9 runs |
| 10 | Jan 23, 2022 | South Africa beat India by 4 runs |
