South African coach –Ottis Gibson, on Wednesday, admitted that the upcoming Test series against India is definitely going to be a tough series for both sides.

Ottis also hinted that India can turn their fortunes in the rainbow nation, saying he does not see any chances of the Virat Kohli-led Team folding up in the upcoming series.

As per Indian Express, Gibson told reporters in a press conference in Cape Town, “They are currently ranked No 1 and they’ve got a lot of world-class players and world-class players aren’t just world class in their own backyards. They’re a very good team and I think they will travel a lot better now.”

The Proteas coach further added, “We know for sure that it is going to be a tough series. I don’t think you’re going to see them fold as much as they may have done in the past.”

Currently, India and South Africa are at No 1 and No 2 positions respectively in the ICC rankings for Tests, and Gibson said they are keen to uphold the history against the Indians and become the number one Test side in the world.

It will be a great chance for South Africa to become No.1 Test side and to stay in the position because they will host Australia in a four-Test series after this, while the current number Test side is scheduled to play Test series later in the year against England and Australia.

Gibson concluded by saying, “Because there is no Test Championship just yet, the prize at the end of it is to reach the pinnacle to be called the best Test team in the world, even if only for a series or a week. The objective for this team is certainly to get to No 1 and we feel strongly that if we win the next two series, which will put us somewhere close to being No 1 again. Everybody in the group understands what we’re trying to achieve.”

The three-match Test series between India and South Africa will go underway with the series opener Test on 5 January at The Newlands Stadium, in Cape Town.