India will play two Tests in South Africa in Centurion and Cape Town.
India is currently in South Africa for an all-format series consisting of 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs and 2 Tests. Virat Kohli, along with Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah have not been named in the white-ball part of the tour, and will only play in the two Tests that follow.
Virat Kohli has been in prime form in 2023 in all ODIs and Tests. Even in the recent ODI World Cup 2023, Kohli broke several records including the most runs in one edition-765, and hit 9 scores of fifty or more. He also became the first batter to hit 50 centuries in ODIs during the tournament.
His batting average soared to 95.62, and he maintained a strike rate of 90.3 in World Cup. The tournament witnessed Kohli's mastery with the bat as he notched up three centuries and six fifties.
Kohli's consistent excellence earned him the "Player of the Tournament" title, despite India falling short of clinching the trophy.
In Tests in South Africa, Kohli has 719 runs in 14 innings at an average of 51.36. During this time, Kohli has scored two hundreds and three fifties as well.
Jacques Kallis said that given the Indian star's success in the South Africa, he would be able to help his teammates. He also said that Kohli needs to aim to get a big series under his belt and will play a major role if India is to beat South Africa for the first time in Test series in their own backyard.
"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.
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," said Kallis on Star Sports.
The first Test will start on December 26 in Centurion and the second Test on January 3 in Cape Town.