Virat Kohli has to be at his best for India to beat South Africa: Jacques Kallis

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South Africa legend Jacques Kallis thinks Virat Kohli will have to play out of his coveted skin to give India any chance of beating South Africa in the upcoming Test series.

India are playing the Proteas in an all-format tour and it has already started with T20Is. After the limited overs format, the two teams will lock horns in a two-match Test series.

Jacques Kallis, one of South Africa's most celebrated cricketers, has emphasized the importance of Kohli's role in the upcoming Test series.

Kohli, who was the top run-scorer for India in the last WTC cycle with 932 runs, has already showcased his sublime form with a century and a half-century in the current cycle's clashes against West Indies.

"I am sure he will want to have a big series here in South Africa. He has been in good form. I think he will play a major role in helping India. If they are to win here, he will have to have a good series," Kallis told Star Sports.

This is going to be Kohli's 4th expedition in South Africa and the former all-rounder thinks his experience will be crucial for the other players as well as his ideas can equip the younger players with some methods to counter the Proteas bowlers.

"He's a massive player, no matter where it is. Having played here quite a bit and had a fair amount of success. He'll be able to pass that knowledge on to the other guys, especially the younger guys and give them ideas on how to manage these conditions and then what to expect," he added.

Kohli has a fantastic record in South Africa, where he has scored 719 runs in 14 innings with an average north of 51. He also has scored 2 Test centuries on South African soil.

The previous tour in South Africa did not bode well for India, as they succumbed to a 2-1 Test series defeat. Kallis predicts a tough competition as the Proteas are known for their strong performances at home. Kohli's form, therefore, becomes a decisive factor for India in overcoming the hosts' challenge.