With an aim to register their first-ever Test series win in South Africa, the Virat Kohli-led Indian team landed in the rainbow nation a few days back. Team India has registered wins across the globe over the past two years but have never been able to register a series win in SA.

This time, India have number of experienced players on their roster and probably have the best chance of winning the Test series. Before the start of the much-awaited fixtures, former selector Saba Karim has backed India to create history and end their drought there.

“Either 2-0 or 2-1 (in Tests). In ODI we are anyway a far superior side. It is immensely strong (bench strength) and proof of that was shown by them in Australia. We won the fourth Test without I think five or six of our regular players. That shows the kind of strength that India have got in our reserves,” he told Sportstiger.

“And I expect the same this time around and it is our golden opportunity for us as well have an experienced set up. Plus we have some potentially exciting youngsters who are coming through to the team. It will be an ideal combination for us to do well in South Africa.”

India were hit with a big blow even before boarding the flight to SA as vice-captain Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the series. He was replaced by Priyank Panchal. KL Rahul will assist Kohli in his absence.

India have strong batting and bowling line-ups and are expected to give SA a run for their money. This will be the 2nd time when Kohli will be leading India in a Test series in SA. In 2018, India lost the series 2-1.

The three-match Test series will kick off on December 26, with Centurion hosting the opening game of the series. Johannesburg and Cape Town will host the 2nd and 3rd Test matches, respectively.

Following the three Tests, the two teams will square off in as many ODIs on January 19, 21 and 23.