South Africa-India Test series will end 1-1 in Nortje's absence: Chopra

While India will put up a fight, former opening batter Aakash Chopra feels that that South Africa may still end up winning the series. However, he adds that the series could finish 1-1 due to the injury to fast bowler Anrich Nortje and due to the fact that the first Test at Centurion could be hampered by persistent rain.

India are yet to win a Test series in South Africa. The last time they toured the rainbow nation in 2018, they lost the series 1-2.

"It is going to be interesting but I feel this might be a drawn series. 51 percent South Africa, 49 percent India. That's what I am thinking at this point in time. If any team wins, I feel that it will be South Africa," he said.

Speaking of Nortje, Chopra said, "I don't see India winning this right now, I mean it is difficult. I would have said 2-1 for South Africa if Nortje was playing. Nortje is not there; I am saying this series can again end at 1-1. There is a chance of a drawn Test match, the first Test could be in slight trouble because of rain," he added.

Chopra reckons South Africa are still in a transition phase but have regrouped well.

"It is not that South Africa's team is flying high. I think they are starting to regroup really well. The World Cup has shown that they have the players, where the things are falling in place but it is still a team in transition," he said.

The SuperSport Park, Centurion will play host to the first of three Tests, starting Sunday (December 26).