Bavuma will lead a 15-man squad for tests in Kolkata from November 14th to 18th and Guwahati from November 22nd to 26th.
Bavuma replaces David Bedingham, who is dropped, while the only other change to the touring party to Pakistan sees spinner Prenelan Subrayen drop out of the squad.
“We’ve kept the bulk of the squad that competed in the two-match series against Pakistan," said coach Shukri Conrad. "Those players showed real character and fought hard to come from behind and draw that series."
South Africa lost the first test in Lahore by 93 runs but won the second match in Rawalpindi by eight wickets, with Aiden Markram as stand-in skipper.
“We are anticipating a similar challenge in India, and many of the players who stood up in those conditions will once again be key for us,” Conrad added.
“Pakistan was a squad effort, and India will demand the same. Every player has a role to play in ensuring we remain competitive in what is always a tough place to tour.”
Squad: Temba Bavuma, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne.