OTD: India’s biggest innings win over South Africa in Tests came in Pune in 2019

When Team India defeated South Africa in Pune on this day (October 13, 2019), they made history and recorded their largest-ever Test victory. 

The two teams faced off in the second Test of the series at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium and India captain Virat Kohli won the toss and chose to bat first on a batting beauty in Pune. Mayank Agarwal scored 108 runs in 195 runs with 16 fours and two sixes, while Cheteshwar Pujara scored 58 runs.

But the star of India’s innings was skipper Kohli, who scored a career-best 254* in 336 balls with 33 fours and two sixes. He added 178 runs with Ajinkya Rahane (59) and then added 225 runs with Ravindra Jadeja, who made 91 runs with eight fours and two sixes, as India made 601/5d, putting immense pressure on South Africa’s batting

Kohli’s record for the highest by an Indian captain stood until Shubman Gill broke it in 2025 against England.

Umesh Yadav hurt South Africa bad, with openers Aiden Markram (0) and Dean Elgar (6) being dismissed early. Captain Faf du Plessis (64) and Keshav Maharaj (72) helped the Proteas to 275 runs. Ravi Ashwin took 4/69 and Umesh Yadav took 3/37 for India, as South Africa was asked to follow on, with a deficit of 326 runs.

In their second innings, South Africa did not fare too well either, getting bowled out for 189 runs. Dean Elgar made 48, Temba Bavuma made 38, and Vernon Philander made 37 runs. Umesh and Jadeja took three wickets each as India won the game by an innings and 137 runs. This remains India’s biggest Test victory over South Africa.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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