Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj doesn’t believe Indian pitches will turn as much as those in Pakistan.

The Test world champions are preparing for the first Test against India at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday (6am SA time).

“I don’t think it will be as spin-friendly as we experienced in Pakistan,” said Maharaj. “I think it will be good wickets that will deteriorate as the game goes on – probably more of a traditional Test wicket from what we’ve seen.

“If you watched a bit of the West Indies series that India played here at home, it was good wickets that went almost to day four and five, so I do believe the narrative is changing.”

The Proteas arrived in India with a strong spin trio of Maharaj, Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy, but the 34-year-old expects a more balanced contest between bat and ball.

India, meanwhile, are in transition under young captain Shubman Gill, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj leading the pace attack and Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel providing the spin options.

PREVIEW: India bank on home Test record in SA series

For Maharaj, returning to India has special meaning. His ancestors migrated from Uttar Pradesh to South Africa in 1874, and playing in Kolkata carries emotional weight.

“India always has a special place in my heart. It’s the land of my forefathers, so it feels nostalgic returning here,” he said.

“To play at Eden Gardens is one of the three bucket-list venues for any cricketer – along with Lord’s and the MCG. The fans are on a different level here, and it’s a privilege to play on a ground with so much ethos and history.”

MORE: Proteas aim to answer critics in India

Photo: Sameer Ali/Getty Images