India’s tour to South Africa looked under danger not so long ago when the discovery of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 was made public by the South African government. 

With sporting events across the country being cancelled and a number of countries imposing travel bans on South Africa, there were worries on whether India will be able to make the trip. 

However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stayed true to its commitment and ensured that the Indian team played three Test matches and as many ODIs in the rainbow nation. 

While initially, the tour also included a four-match T20I series but that has been moved to a later date as the tour was shifted by one week amid the uncertainty over the virus. 

After the completion of the ODI series, Graeme Smith, who is the director of cricket at Cricket South Africa (CSA) thanked the BCCI and personally paid gratitude to President Sourav Ganguly and Secretary Jay Shah. 

Smith wrote on Twitter, “Big thank you @BCCI @JayShah @SGanguly99 and the Indian players and management for the faith you showed in SA cricket’s ability to pull off a safe and successful tour. Your commitment at an uncertain time has set the example that a lot can follow.”

India’s successful visit to the country comes as a major boost to CSA’s hopes of ensuring cricket in South Africa returns to normal following the damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, Australia pulled out of a scheduled three-match Test series in the rainbow nation. Meanwhile, England flew home mid-way from a tour after COVID-19 cases were reported in the bio-bubble. 

On the pitch, the tour proved to be a disaster for India as they lost both the Test series and ODI series by margins of 2:1 and 3:0 respectively.