Mumbai

Former Indian cricket head coach Ravi Shastri has said that South Africa remains an unconquered bastion but Virat Kohli's leadership skills will hold the side in good stead.

India and South Africa will lock horns in three Test matches and three ODIs. The first Test will begin on December 26 at the SuperSport Park, Centurion.

"There couldn't have been a better time for team India to prove their mettle. Virat has been an impeccable leader and has got a talented team to go along with it. South Africa remains an unconquered bastion," said Shastri while speaking to Star Sports.

"Remember, the Proteas are no pushovers in their own backyard, but we have got the firepower and the arsenal to match that. As always, Team India will always have my backing," he added.

The Test series between India and South Africa will form part of the new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.

The first Test will take place from December 26-30 at the SuperSport Park, Centurion. The second Test will be played between January 3-7, 2022, at the Wanderers, Johannesburg and the third Test will be played from January 11 January 15, 2022, at the Newlands, Cape Town.

The first ODI will take place on January 19, 2022, at the Boland Park, Paarl, the second on January 21, at the Boland Park, Paarl while the third will take be played on January 23, 2022, at the Newlands, Cape Town.