Graeme Smith worried about South Africa's chances in India

Smith said that the four-Test series against India will not be an easy affair

Former South African skipper Graeme Smith has labelled his nation’s upcoming tour to India as “tough”, Cricbuzz reports. The 34-year-old said that though he was proud that South Africa had not lost an away series since 2006, he was “nervous” as to how they will fare against India in their own backyard.

The Proteas will spend more than two months in India where they are set to face the hosts in three T20s, five ODIs and four Test matches. The South Africans are then set to face England at home in a similarly long series and Smith feels that the team’s performance in India could very well have a bearing on its fortunes against England.

"I'm a bit nervous. It's a tough tour for us and this is a big season for South African cricket with the Indian tour and the English tour later this year. This could be the defining period for this team," Smith said. "Four Test matches in India are not going to be easy, especially because it involves a lot of travelling, a lot of people and the conditions are going to spin. I'm holding thumbs that everything will go well. If we have a good Indian tour, I think we'll then do very well against the English."

Smith hold the record for most Test wins as skipper with 53 victories from 109 Tests and also led his side to two series draws against India in 2008 and 2010. He was the skipper when South Africa was on the losing end the last time in an away series (against Sri Lanka in 2006) and Smith expressed hope that the streak continues against India as well.

"Our record of not losing a Test series away from home since 2006 has been incredible. Hopefully, these guys will keep going and keep doing us proud," Smith said.

Smith also had a swipe at wicketkeeper batsman Quinton de Kock who was dropped from the Test squad but is a part of the ODI & T20 squad. The former skipper who built his image as tough guy advised De Kock to develop the mental strength to cope up with failures if he wants to have a long & successful career.

"It's all about building character. If you're going to have a long career playing at the top of the game, you're going to be able to deal with failure and how to bounce back from disappointment," Smith said.