Current team has the ability to make a difference, says Sourav Ganguly

Under Kohli's leadership, India had a phenomenal 2017 as they won almost every series in all formats, excluding the Champions Trophy final where they received loss from their arch-rival Pakistan and a one-off T20I against West Indies. The team also equalled Australia's record of nine Test series win on a trot which has raised the expectation and hope in fans that the blue brigade is capable of securing their first ever Test series win on the South African soil. Ganguly also backed the team and admitted that this away series will be a challenge for the team but Team India have all the weapons to counter the Proteas’ attack.

"India have had a phenomenal year in 2017 and they will be looking to continue that momentum. One must also understand that it will be a totally different kettle of fish to playing at home, but I believe that this team has the ability to make a difference," wrote Ganguly in his column for TOI.

Kohli was in a great touch in 2017, but critics claimed that a maximum number of games were played on the Indian soil which helped the batsman to pile on the runs. India have never won a Test series in South Africa and pundits believed that this will be the biggest challenge for Kohli since he became the captain of the Test team back in 2015. Ganguly also opined that Kohli has to maintain his momentum as it will help in the favor of India.

"It's the start of Virat Kohli's first away series, and a tough one at that to South Africa," added Ganguly. "Virat's form will be very important for the side. It is his first tour to South Africa as captain and it will be very important for him to strike a balance as skipper and a batsman. His form as captain in the two previous instances in Adelaide and Sydney were brilliant and hopefully, those memories will remain fresh for him and help him."

Ravichandran Ashwin faced up and downs in the last year as he was excluded from the limited overs squad of India to give a chance to the young talents. This series is being considered as a test for the off-spinner as he has the chance to prove his ability in the team.

"It will also be an important series for Ashwin, He is at a juncture where he needs to remind everyone that he is still as good as the next bowler and a good performance in South Africa will clear all questions. What he must remember is that you cannot pick 300 wickets if you are not good enough," wrote Ganguly.