SK Flashback: Revisiting India's unsuccessful attempts to conquer South Africa

#5 1996/97: South Africa won 2-0

Nelson Mandela greets the Indian team during their tour of South Africa in 1996-97

In the first test at Durban, India got bowled out for a paltry 100 and 66 as South Africa cruised to a whopping 328-run victory. Dravid's score of 27 was the highest score in both their innings. South Africa wrapped up this game in just three days. The only solace for India is the performance of Venkatesh Prasad. He took a ten-wicket haul in this one-sided affair.

The second test was no different. South Africa thrashed India by a whopping 282 runs. Sachin Tendulkar and Mohammad Azharuddin's first-innings centuries were the only positives for the visitors. The hosts routed them for 144 when they were tasked with chasing an improbable target in the fourth innings.

With the series already gone, India fought for pride in the third test. Dravid scored an inspiring 148 in the first innings. Despite taking a healthy first innings lead, India couldn't wrap up the game. Cullinan scored a gutsy hundred in the fourth innings to save South Africa.