'This is probably the best..': Gavaskar highlights the enormity of upcoming Test series against SA

Regardless of how the quality in the South African side has varied over the years, the side has maintained its 100% series win record over India in Tests. The upcoming 2-match series will present another opportunity to India to break the prolonged hoodoo. And according to legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar, there cannot be a better chance than the one knocking on the doors.

3 things you need to know

• India vs South Africa 2-match Test series will begin from December 26, 2023
• The T20 series ended in a 1-1 draw
• India lead the ODI series 1-0

Also Read | 'Rohit has been..': Manjrekar shares his views on Mumbai Indians appointing Hardik Pandya as captain

Team India gives a superior outlook over South Africa

Team India's South Africa tour has so far been up to scratch. The young side was able to draw the T20 series 1-1 and has successfully registered a convincing win in the 1st ODI. Following the 50-over stretch the Test series will begin for which stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah will also join the squad. On paper, Team India looks far superior to South Africa, however, it has been the case in the last two visits as well, but each time the hosts have been able to come up with the goods.

Starting Boxing Day, India will once again vie to write a new chapter in the history books.

Also Read | 'Only India have the tools to compete in Oz': Michael Vaughan after Australia decimate Pakistan

Sunil Gavaskar says the upcoming series is the  'best opportunity'

Sunil Gavaskar, who has had the experience of witnessing several Indian sides touring South Africa, says the prevalent series is India's best chance to script a Test series win in South Africa. Gavaskar highlighted the weakness in the SA line-up and hailed it as an advantage for the Indians.

“Absolutely. Look at South Africa, they are without two of their best bowlers. No Nortje, no Rabada. Now this means that the Indian batting line-up can, if they play sensibly, they should be able to put up 400, 400-plus scores without too much of an issue. Yes, initially, it will be little bit tough while the ball is shinny red and with the bounce. But that's what Test cricket is all about. That's why you've got five days. They need to bat well. If they keep scoring 300 and 500, they will give their bowlers enough of an opportunity to be able to knock the South Africans in both the innings,” he said in a conversation on Star Sports.

According to Gavaskar, India should have beaten South Africa during the 2018 tour, but the present chance emerges as even bigger to him.

“I think this is probably the best opportunity. 2018 was where I thought they should be winning. They really should have won in 2018. They had the best lineup not so much two years ago, but 2018 was where they missed out on big time on winning the series,” he added.