IND vs SA: India's recent 2-1 win in the ODI series without stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah in the side, has instilled confidence in the Men in Blue dug-out as they prepare for the two-match Test series against South Africa.

With the return of the veteran players for the upcoming Boxing Day Test scheduled to commence on December 26 at the SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium in Centurion, Gauteng, India look favourite to win their first Test-series in the African soil.

Former India batter and commentator, Sanjay Manjrekar foresees a resolute Kohli in the Test series against South Africa who is hungry to win big.

ALSO READ: AUS vs PAK: Pakistan Spinner Noman Ali Ruled Out Of Remainder Of Test Series After Undergoing Appendectomy

In the last tour (2021/22), India won the first Test but lost the series 2-1 under the captainship of Kohli. According to Manjrekar, Kohli's aggressive approach could be crucial this time around. Kohli missed the second Test due to injury, amassing 161 runs in the series at an average of 40.25 with a top score of 79.

"I see Virat Kohli doing his own few things. He is going to get fired up. The last trip to South Africa, he did not get a big one and Kohli has had to work harder for Test runs recently," Manjrekar said in a show on Star Sports.

"When Virat Kohli is all fired up and angry, that's the sight I like. David Warner as well. When they get a little fired up, you see them batting better," he added.

ALSO READ: Ishan Kishan Takes Break From Cricket Post Withdrawl From Test Series Against South Africa Due To Mental Fatigue: Report

India face the challenge of not having won a Test series in eight attempts in South Africa. In 42 Tests against South Africa, India trail slightly with 15 wins compared to the Proteas' 17.

With a slightly par record in South Africa, India still are a top Test side as they have reached the World Test Championship final in both the 2021 and 2023 editions, thanks to their impressive test-record.