• Source:JND
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Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will return for the two-match Test series against South Africa after opting for a break following India's loss in the ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad last month. The duo missed the home T20I series against Australia which started just three days after the summit clash followed by the white-ball leg of the South Africa tour.

Kohli, who was on song in the quadrennial tournament, is eyeing to return for the red-ball format with a bang after missing out on big scores in the last Test series against West Indies in July.

Former South Africa legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis feels that India's performance in the series will depend on Kohli's form and the star batter will play a major role in the tour.

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"He's 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 told Star Sports.

"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," he added.

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Kohli holds an impressive record against Proteas on their home soil with 719 runs in 14 innings at an impressive average of 51.36. He had also smashed two centuries and three fifties against them.

Despite Kohli's stunning records against South Africa, India have never won a Test series against South Africa in South Africa. India lost 2-1 in their last tour in 2021-22 under Kohli's captaincy.

Commenting on the strength of the visiting side, Kallis asserted Rohit-led side is 'good' but it will be difficult for them to beat South Africa.

"This is a good Indian team but South Africa is tough to beat in South Africa. Centurion will probably suit South Africa and Newlands will probably suit India. It will be a good series and it will come down to one or two sessions that one team might play better than the other. It would be a closely-fought contest," Kallis said.

After the conclusion of the three-match T20I series and as many ODIs, India and South Africa will face off in the first Test in Centurion on December 26.