Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar expects Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to flourish with the willow in the two-match Test series against South Africa, starting on December 26 in Centurion.

The Test series will mark Rohit and Kohli’s return to competitive action. The two batting stalwarts were enjoying a break after the daunting World Cup 2023 campaign.

Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar put his faith in Kohli and Rohit to score lots of runs in the much-awaited Test series. He also believes that the Proteas attack doesn't have the edge to pose much threat to Indian batters this time around.

"They are experienced batters, who are coming after playing everywhere, so I expect them to score lots of runs in these two Test matches. Not only because they have got so much talent, but this time around, I think the South African attack does not have that edge," Gavaskar said.

"With the absence of Nortje, with the likely absence of Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, the South African attack looks a little bit short on experience, I am not saying short of class. So I feel these two batters will score lots of runs and help the Indian team post a big score," he added.

Virat Kohli boasts an impressive Test record on South African soil, amassing 719 runs from seven matches at an average of 51.35 with two centuries.

On the other hand, Rohit Sharma will look to better his Test record in the Rainbow Nation. Across four matches in South Africa, the current Indian captain has aggregated 123 runs at an average of 15.37.

Both of them were in exceptional form during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 at home. While Kohli finished the marquee event as the top run-getter (765 runs), Rohit ended the campaign as the second highest run-scorer (597 runs).