As old yellow taxis with their ‘no refusal’ signage rumbled on roads around the iconic Eden Gardens, the South Africans trained inside a venue where they have a historic connect. During the post-apartheid era, India welcomed back South Africa into the cricketing fold and on November 10, 1991, Clive Rice’s men tussled with the Men in Blue.
Kolkata showered unbridled affection upon the visitors and even though South Africa lost that ODI, it has built a fine legacy over the years. An ICC title remains elusive but in the current World Cup, after India, South Africa has been in terrific form despite the loss against the Netherlands.
Sunday’s clash between the host and Temba Bavuma’s men, is perhaps the biggest game of this premier championship even if India against Pakistan had an emotional resonance in Ahmedabad.
