Former Proteas captain Dean Elgar has tipped India to beat South Africa 2-0 in the upcoming two-Test series.

The Proteas face India in Kolkata and Guwahati as they look to end a barren run that stretches back more than two decades since their last series win on Indian soil.

“I’m going to say India will win 2-0,” Elgar told SportsBoom.co.za. “That’s purely because of the home-ground advantage. They’ve still got some seriously class bowlers.

“If I’m being neutral, I’d still say India are the favourites. I hope I’m proven wrong, but it’s going to be hard work for the Proteas to win one Test in India, never mind two.”

Elgar said he believes the two sides are evenly matched but that India’s familiarity with local conditions gives them the edge.

“If you put both teams on paper, they’re pretty evenly balanced,” he said. “On the Indian side, there’s no one who really stands out at the moment – maybe Ravindra Jadeja, but he’s been around for a while and they’ll rely heavily on him.

“They don’t have the same big names like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli or [Ravichandran] Ashwin anymore, but the guys who are there are playing Test cricket for a reason. They’ll be desperate to prove themselves and secure their places after all the changes in selection recently.”

BAVUMA: Winning in India top ambition

Elgar added that the loss of senior players had left gaps that India’s newer faces were eager to fill.

“They’re by no means pushovers, but India in India is always tough to beat. You have to say they’re favourites purely because of the home-ground advantage. Still, it should be an exciting series.”

CONRAD: Proteas can win in India

The former opener said he was disappointed that only two Tests would be played between two of the game’s top nations.

“For two powerhouse Test nations, you’d really like to see three or even four. Two matches feel a bit stale if it’s 1-1 or two draws,” he said. “But on paper, it’s even stevens – India are just the favourites because of where we’re playing.”

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images