India are an improved team but the problem facing them in the upcoming series against South Africa, is that the Proteas have also improved over the last 18 months. 

And as a Proteas fan, I fully maintain the South Africans can triumph on the 29-day tour - this is what it will take:

Batting - Top Order

'South Africa has the best fielding in international cricket and behind the wickets, Mark Boucher is the world's greatest keeper'


Graeme Smith is in good form, he must dominate while Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, Ashwell Prince and AB De Villiers pile in.

Neil McKenzie and Herschelle Gibbs have their own duel for big runs and this might work against the Indians.

India's batting line-up is relatively strong, although Sachin Tendulkar has a poor record against the Proteas. A slump in form from the Indian top order will see the Proteas pepper the middle and lower order with tongue, spin and pace. I predict the Proteas will win in this department.

Batting - Middle and Tail

South Africa has one of the best tails in the business. They'll be rubbing a lot of salt in the Indian wounds on those long hot days. A head-to-head comparison sees the Proteas' tail being more experienced than that of India. Again I predict the Proteas are stronger in this department.

Fielding - 'Jonty Rhodes' Factor

South Africa has the best fielding in international cricket and behind the wickets, Mark Boucher is the world's greatest keeper. Again I predict the Proteas are stronger than India in this department.

Bowling - Pace

Hospital casualties show the Proteas' quicks can bowl rapidly. Dale Steyn and Albie and Johannes Morkel will mix it up with Andre Nel, Kallis and Makhaya Ntini promise the Indians a hospital pass if they get it wrong.

Kallis is fresh off a five-for and the Proteas' bowlers offer world-class swing, pace, reverse swing, height (Albie Morkel), the angle in delivery (Ntini) and sledging aggression from Nel.

The Indian attack looks impressive but looking is not delivering and I'm concerned some of these pretty boys are nothing more than Bollywood wannabes.

Bowling - Spin

Paul Harris, Johan Botha and Robin Peterson are doing great work. I'd like to see Harris and Botha hunting as a pair in India or with pace at one end, these guys cleaning up on the other.

For the Indians, is Anil Kumble really 38 years old? I think Harbhajan Singh is going to get himself into trouble again and become his own worst enemy. South Africa, in my book are maybe just equal to India in this department, but that will be sufficient given the Proteas' dominant seam attacks.

India at home is always a challenge. The conditions and grounds are a lot better than 20 or 30 years ago and fielding in the outfield is easier than before. The Proteas have a good winning momentum while the the Indians have emptied their tank in Australia while salvaging a bit of spirit from marginal success in the short form of the game.

South Africa look set to return with a historic series victory in India. I predict 1-0 (and one draw) to South Africa in the tests. I'll give the ODIs to India.

If South Africa lose in the Tests however, you'll find the latter part of the 29-day series filled with a scamper to salvage pride as the Indians did in Australia. 

And in that scenario, the Proteas' No. 1 status in ODIs will be very handy! Over to you Herschelle - it's Gibbs time!