Jacques Kallis names a factor which will help India win a test series in South Africa

Former South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis made huge prediction ahead of the test series.

As India gear up for a challenging two-match test series against South Africa, former Proteas legendary cricketer Jacques Kallis identified a crucial factor that could tip the scales in favor of the visiting side. India have failed to win a test series in South Africa. Kallis has emphasized on the x-factor that could help India this time around.

Kallis has opted for Virat Kohli, who could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the series. Kallis expressed his belief that Kohli’s exceptional form and experience in South African conditions will be instrumental to India’s success.

Jacques Kallis picks his x-factor

India, currently resuming their ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 campaign, face a formidable South African team during Christmas and New Year period. Kohli, having been India’s leading run-scorer in the last WTC cycle and coming off a stellar ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 performance, is anticipated to play a critical role in India’s batting line-up. Kallis, acknowledging Kohli’s abilities, underlined the significance of the star batter’s contribution for India to emerge victorious in South Africa.

Kallis, a legendary cricketer himself, highlighted Kohli’s outstanding track record against South Africa in red-ball cricket. The champion right-hander has hit two of his 29 test centuries against Proteas away from home, showcasing his adaptability to the challenging conditions. Kallis stated, “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.”

Kallis added, “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.”

He emphasized the impact of Kohli’s cricketing skills. Kallis, drawing from his own experience, suggested that Kohli’s wealth of knowledge about playing in South Africa can benefit the entire team. The veteran cricketer also believes that Kohli’s insights can guide younger players in managing conditions and expectations, contributing to a more cohesive team effort.

Despite India’s previous 2-1 series defeat in South Africa, Kallis remains optimistic about India’s chances this time around, acknowledging the toughness of South African team on home soil. He predicted a closely-fought contest, attributing the outcome to one or two sessions where one team might outperform the other. With Centurion favoring South Africa and Newlands favoring India, Kallis anticipates a thrilling series that could be decided by the slimmest of margins.

“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,” he concluded.

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