Can Team India give skipper Virat Kohli first Test win as birthday gift?

New Delhi: Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli is set to lead Test side for the first time on home soil as the opening match against South Africa is scheduled to be played between November 5 to 9 at PCA Stadium, Mohali.

Under the captaincy of Kohli, India recently won the three-match away series against Sri Lanka 2-1. But this time, the contest is even as they face world number one Test team, who are no doubt inspired after beating the home team in both the limited-overs formats.

Mohali Test is starting on the 27th birthday of Kohli. And team members would love to gift their skipper a win, which could give the home team a perfect launchpad in the four-match series.

Ahead of the 1st Test, Proteas received a big blow as one of the senior members in their squad, JP Duminy has been ruled out of the match due to an injury.

Another headache for the visiting team is the poor form of Test skipper Hashim Amla.

Considering all these factors, India certainly have an edge over the Saffers.