**Shubman Gill vs Temba Bavuma: A Detailed Comparison Ahead of India vs South Africa Test Series**
Shubman Gill and Temba Bavuma will be leading their respective sides when India face South Africa in the two-match home Test series, starting in Kolkata on Friday, November 14. The iconic Eden Gardens will host the opening game, while the second Test will take place at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, beginning November 22.
Gill was named captain ahead of the England tour and was sensational with the bat. He played a key role as a young Indian squad drew a five-match Test series in England 2-2. Meanwhile, Bavuma proved to be an instrumental figure in South Africa ending their ICC drought, helping the Proteas clinch the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s earlier this year.
Having both featured in 39 Test matches, we compare the stats of Shubman Gill and Temba Bavuma to see who leads the charts.
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### Shubman Gill vs Temba Bavuma: Who Has More Runs and a Better Average After 39 Tests?
After 39 Tests, Shubman Gill has scored a total of 2,839 runs at an average of 43.01. His runs include 1,346 in 15 Tests against England at an impressive average of 51.76. Against Australia, he has accumulated 537 runs in nine Tests at an average of 35.80, while in five Tests against New Zealand, he has scored 324 runs averaging 32.40.
In comparison, Bavuma had scored 1,812 runs after 39 Tests at an average of 31.24. Of those runs, 505 came in eight Tests against England with an average of 38.84. He had also amassed 298 runs in five Tests against Australia, averaging 42.57, and 283 runs in five Tests against New Zealand at an average of 40.42.
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### Who Has More Hundreds After 39 Tests?
Shubman Gill has notched up 10 Test hundreds and eight half-centuries after 39 matches. His best innings of 269 came against England in Birmingham in July 2025. Notably, he scored 161 in the second innings of that same Test. Of his 10 centuries, six have been against England, two against Bangladesh, and one each against Australia and West Indies.
On the other hand, Bavuma had a solitary hundred and 13 fifties after 39 Tests. His highest score at this stage was 102* against England in Cape Town in January 2016. The 35-year-old also recorded notable innings such as 95* against Australia in Johannesburg in March 2018, and 89 against New Zealand in Wellington in March 2017.
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### Who Has a Better Record in Wins After 39 Tests?
Gill has been part of 20 Test victories for India. In these winning matches, he scored 1,765 runs at an outstanding average of 56.93, including seven centuries and four half-centuries. However, in the 13 Tests India lost, he managed 657 runs at a modest average of 25.26, with one century and two fifties. Additionally, two hundreds and two half-centuries came in matches that ended in a draw.
For Bavuma, of his first 39 Tests, he had featured in 18 South African wins. In those victorious games, he scored 915 runs at an average of 39.78, with eight half-centuries. In contrast, in 14 lost Tests, he scored 585 runs averaging 20.89, including three fifties. In seven drawn Tests, he accumulated 312 runs at a strong average of 44.57, with one century and two half-centuries.
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### Who Has a Better Away Record after 39 Tests?
Gill has played in 18 away Tests, scoring 1,403 runs at an average of 43.84, including five hundreds and two half-centuries. In addition, he has appeared in two neutral venue Tests, scoring 67 runs at an average of 16.75. At home, across 19 Tests, he has amassed 1,369 runs at an average of 45.63, with five centuries and six half-centuries.
Bavuma has also played 18 away Tests, scoring 907 runs at an average of 29.25, with eight half-centuries. At home, in 21 Tests, he has totaled 905 runs at an average of 33.51, aided by one century and five half-centuries.
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As the series between India and South Africa approaches, both captains bring unique strengths and experiences to the fore. While Gill boasts a higher average and a greater number of centuries after 39 Tests, Bavuma’s consistency and crucial contributions have played a vital part in South Africa’s recent successes. Fans can look forward to an exciting contest between these accomplished players.
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*Stay tuned for live updates and expert analysis during the India vs South Africa Test series.*
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