Shukri Conrad lauds indispensable Temba Bavuma role in Proteas win over India

Having just returned to the side after missing the Pakistan Test series due to a calf strain, Bavuma was instrumental in South Africa shocking the hosts on a tricky Eden Gardens wicket last week. 

Conrad says the 35-year-old has been one of the best players in the world over the last two years. 

"I said it two days before the Test match, having our best player back is very reassuring for us, it brings a calmness and I also might have mentioned that in the last 18-24 months, he's been one of the best players in the world," said Conrad.

"And he showed that again, with an innings that he was clear on how he wanted to do it, went against the grain of everybody else in the match – and ja, Temba's innings was the difference between the two sides."

READ: Proteas captain Temba Bavuma: We beat them at their own game

With premier seam bowler Kagiso Rabada having been ruled out through a rib injury on the eve of the match, Conrad was impressed that his bowlers could step up and believes Corbin Bosch's selection was justified.

"We were sweating on KG from early in the week, and I don't think we were ever desperate, but you want to give him the best chance of being ready," the coach explained.

"So we gave him up until the morning and when KG tells you, 'I'm not ready,' then you better believe him, and – again – that makes it so much sweeter that someone who we know can make a huge impact on the game is ruled out, and we [still win].

"And Boschy might not have had the impact that KG might have had with the ball, but his partnership with Temba, again, Boschy doing Boschy things. So, ja, it makes it sweeter."