New Delhi, August 1 (IANS): Former cricketer Jonty Rhodes says India will have a tough time touring South Africa later in the year.

"Playing the No.1 Test team at home will be tough. But the Indian players have experience against the South African pace attack from playing against them in the Indian Premier League (IPL)," Rhodes told IANS via an email.

The 44-year-old, who has played 52 Tests and 245 One-Day Internationals for South Africa from 1992 to 2003, however said that the Indian pace attack has variety to do what is required of it.

"India have the variety in attack to take 20 wickets in a match but the batsmen will need to ensure that once they are in, they do not gift away their wickets as one wicket can bring three and undo all the good work of the previous session," said Rhodes, who is in India to launch a travel-based show "South Africa with Jonty Rhodes", which will go on air on NDTV Good Times Aug 12.

India will tour South Africa for two Twenty20 Internationals, seven ODIs and three Tests from November to January, 2014.