Kohli and Rohit were rested for the white-ball leg of the South Africa tour.
The Test series will also mark Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s return to competitive action. The two batting stalwarts were enjoying a break after the hectic World Cup 2023 campaign.
Ahead of the red-ball series, Kohli and Rohit highlighted the significance of Test cricket to them while speaking to Star Sports.
“Test cricket is the foundation of the game. It’s history, culture and heritage for me. Playing a long innings to win a Test match for your team is most special feeling for me. Playing in Whites is everything for me. I am honoured to play more than 100 Tests for my country,” Kohli stated.
On the other hand, Rohit said: “Test cricket is a very very special format and you want to be challenged on all five days. You have to be best on all five days to win a Test match. It is the test of everything you have as a person and cricketer.”
India haven’t won a Test series on South African soil despite playing eight series there. The best result so far for the visiting Indian team in South Africa is 1-1 draw during the 2010-11 tour.
Kohli and Rohit would want to end the losing streak in the upcoming series. While Centurion is slated to host the opening Test from December 26, the second Test will be played in Cape Town from January 3.