Cape Town: "It's hard to predict a three-Test series, but this one I strongly feel is 50-50. Unlike earlier visits by India, when South Africa were regarded as favourites, it will be even this time," Kepler Wessels told The Telegraph late on Thursday.

Kepler, one of the few to have played international cricket for two countries (Australia, South Africa), had been captain when India came on their first-ever tour of South Africa - 25 seasons ago.

Asked what made him predict a tight series, Kepler said: "It's because both teams have match winners and India, clearly, have taken big strides in recent years."

Kepler declined to single out one player in each team who could turn out to be the X-factor. He explained: "My view is that no one player will make an impact on the outcome of the series. When India and South Africa have such quality players, then a team effort alone can help put things across the opposition."

According to Kepler, the onus will be on the bowlers in both teams to force the advantage. "Potentially, I see India and South Africa scoring rather heavily. When that happens, you need the bowling unit to come out and make a point or two."

The Newlands wicket, in Kepler's opinion, will challenge both captains in the lead-up to the toss on Friday.

"I understand that the wicket has a greenish look, but that could mislead as the degree of moisture underneath will be hard to guess. I say that because of the prevailing drought in and around Cape Town," Kepler maintained.