India set to retain No. 1 ranking

In its previous visits in 2013 for a two-match Test series, the host won it 1-0. But Kohli remains optimistic the results will be a lot different this time around.

The numero uno team in Test cricket has a healthy 13-point lead against second-placed South Africa. Even a defeat would see Kohli’s boys hold on to its Test crown.

Meanwhile, after India’s two-day practice match at Eurolux Boland Park was cancelled earlier in December, the Men in Blue were left with no option but to head into the first Test at Cape Town without a warm-up game. Thus, to get the team acclimatized to South African conditions, the BCCI arranged green pitches for practice sessions at the Western Province Cricket Club (WPCC).

The team management decided to hold extended practice sessions to gear up for the Test series. However, the alternate preparations have not been ideal with the pitch not being up to the mark. It will certainly be Virat Kohli‘s biggest Test series as the Indian captain but he is not happy with the practice pitch provided to the team at the WPCC.

The Indian team was forced to practice indoors on Sunday owing to showers. Not satisfied with the conditions and eager to be ready for the 1st Test, it has asked for two new practice pitches to be prepared.