India’s real test will be against South Africa, says Mohammad Azharuddin

Under Kohli's captaincy, Team India have been playing some exceptional cricket in all the formats of the game. In the last away series against Sri Lanka, India inflicted a 9-0 whitewash winning across all three formats- three Tests, five ODIs, and one T20I. It was followed by success against Australia and New Zealand at home in the limited-overs format.

Sri Lanka comes to India next for a full series, which will go on until December. The short winter break will be followed by an overseas series against South Africa, where the Men in Blues will play three Tests, six ODIs, and three T20Is between January-February. And former Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin believes that Proteas would be India's real challenge.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the inaugural Jagmohan Dalmiya Lecture he was quoted by PTI, "The Sri Lanka series will be challenging but India's real test will be against South Africa."

India have performed brilliantly in Tests in the last two years. They have won eight series on the trot making it to the top spot in ICC rankings. Azharuddin, who has played 99 Tests and 334 ODIs for India, heaped praise on Virat Kohli for leading by example.  "He is outstanding. The way he is leading from the front is good to see," said the 54-year-old said. 

India host Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens in the first Test, a venue where Azhar has scored tons of runs. "Whatever I have, when you talk of memories at the Eden, they are only happy ones. I like this ground a lot," Azhar recalled.