Xtra Time Web Desk: Former South Africa all-rounder Jaques Kallis reckon for India to beat South Africa in the upcoming test series, the form of Kohli will be vital. Speaking to Star Sports, Kallis said Virat is a massive player, no matter where it is. Having had the experience of playing in the rainbow nation with success, Kohli will be able to pass the knowledge to the other guys in the team, especially younger guys like Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. He can give them ideas how to manage the conditions in South Africa and what to expect. Virat Kohli, with a remarkable Test record in South Africa, boasts 719 runs in 14 innings at an average of 51.36.
“He’s (Kohli) a massive player, no matter where it is. Having played here quite a bit and had a fair amount of success. He’ll be able to pass that knowledge on to the other guys, especially the younger guys and give them ideas on how to manage these conditions and then what to expect,” Kallis said on Star Sports.
Kallis added, “I am sure he will want to have a big series here in South Africa. He has been in good form. I think he will play a major role in helping India. If they are to win here, he will have to have a good series.”
Despite being a dominant force in red-ball cricket, South Africa has posed a unique challenge, with India yet to secure a Test series victory on South African soil. In the 2021-22 tour, led by Kohli, India took an early lead but eventually succumbed to a 2-1 series defeat.
This time, the captaincy baton passes to Rohit Sharma, fresh from overseeing India’s commendable ODI World Cup campaign, where they reached the final undefeated but fell short of clinching the title. As India strives for Test glory in South Africa, the series promises to be a riveting encounter between two cricketing powerhouses.