Opinions are divided on who would come up trumps in the upcoming South Africa versus India Test series, which begins in Centurion on Sunday.

While Ravi Shastri thinks India have it in them to conquer South Africa where they are yet to win a Test series, Makhaya Ntini believes that wish for Virat Kohli’s team will remain elusive. However, Allan Donald is not as sure as Ntini as he fears South Africa’s inexperienced batting line-up will be put to a stern test by India’s impressive bowling attack.

Shastri, who was the coach of the Indian team until recently, has faith in India’s firepower and captain Kohli.

“There couldn’t have been a better time for Team India to prove their mettle. Virat has been an impeccable leader and has got a talented team to go along with it,” Shastri told Star Sports.

“South Africa remain an unconquered bastion. Remember, the Proteas are no pushovers in their own backyard, but we have got the firepower and the arsenal to match that. As always, Team India will always have my backing,” added Shastri, who has been replaced by Rahul Dravid as head coach of the Indian team.

India played their first-ever Test series in South Africa in 1992 and recorded their first Test win in the African nation in 2006, when Dravid was the captain.

Conditions matter

Ntini pointed out that the hosts have the upper hand because they are familiar with the conditions. “India have a very good bowling attack this time around, but the Proteas know the South African conditions better. This for me will be key,” former South Africa pacer Ntini said in a Cricket South Africa media release.

“We have to back ourselves because we have that home advantage. Our players know the wickets very well and that will give us the edge.

“We still have that stranglehold over them because they’ve never won here and I don’t think that will change. It will mean a lot if we can win, but I’m hoping to see some good cricket,” Ntini, who took 390 wickets in 101 Tests, added.

Test for batters

Donald, on the other hand, is a bit apprehensive about the home team. “Both teams line up really well, both have strong bowling line-ups and that will mean the batting on both sides will be tested,” said Donald.

“Our batting has lost some key players in the last couple of seasons. There’s no hiding from the fact that it’s a young line-up and they will be tested by the Indian attack. For me that is where the series will be decided. In the last few seasons, we haven’t scored enough runs and that will be the challenge,” Donald, who played 72 Tests for South Africa taking 330 wickets, explained.

(Written with agency inputs)