KEEP IT GOING: R.P. Singh (left) might well be telling Mahendra Singh Dhoni this as India prepares to take on the gritty South Africans. — Photo: S. Subramanium

Hyderabad: Giant concrete structures stretched out in every direction. Some reached for the skies, while others stared down the arena. When finished, the Rajiv Gandhi international stadium should present a wonderful sight. For now, the picture is promising but incomplete.

Team India has the wind and the momentum behind it. The scenario is one of hope and possibilities, but there are miles to travel before the destination is reached.

The ingredients are right for the Men in Blue, though. In Rahul Dravid, the side has a captain and a leader. In Greg Chappell, the side has a coach and a visionary. And the team is a healthy blend of the young and the experienced.

The South Africans should test the Indians more than the Sri Lankans. They, too, are on a roll. Before coming to India, Graeme Smith's men vanquished the efficient Kiwis 4-0 at home. South Africa is on a phenomenal 19-game unbeaten streak.

The opening duel of the five-match Pepsi ODI series, beginning here on Wednesday, holds much significance. It was in Nagpur that the Indians pounded the Lankans psychologically and the islanders never recovered.

Interestingly, the Proteas have supplanted Sri Lanka as the No. 2 ranked ODI side. Dravid said India was ready for the South African challenge. "It's not the ratings but the performance on the day that matters."

Intertwined

Winning and confidence are intertwined. Winning builds confidence and confident teams win more; it's like cultivating a good habit. Both sides enter the series with self-belief and predictions can be hazardous. India has the home advantage, but South Africa has the desire to buck the odds.

Dravid's men outmanoeuvred the Lankans strategically. Smith indicated that his team had charted out gameplans to ambush the host. Time will tell.

The host hustled the Sri Lankans by sending the belligerent Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Irfan Pathan up the order. Consequently, the visitors mismanaged the Power Play overs. Dravid said his side would continue to display flexibility in tactics.

The South Africans have their own mean machine with the willow in the destructive Justin Kemp, an influential player. Only recently, he dismantled no less a bowler than Shane Bond with big straight blows. The duel between Dhoni and Kemp will be a battle within a battle.

The Indians have used the Super Substitute rule cleverly so far. They now confront a side that could achieve the same because of a host of multi-skilled cricketers.

The pitch sported a layer of green although how much grass remains on the surface when the contest commences is a matter of conjecture. Fielding first in this day game should be the right option. Given the moisture factor, there will be some assistance for the pacemen in the first hour. The wicket could also offer some bounce to the bowlers.

Runs are due from Virender Sehwag's blazing blade, but he will be up against a South African pace attack that could sting. Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini form a new ball combination of contrasting methods. The duo is backed up by zestful seamer Andre Nel and swing bowler Charl Langeveldt. Skipper Smith is impressed with Johan Botha's ability to spin the ball. Incidentally, the young off-spinner has modelled his action after Harbhajan Singh.

Chinks in the armour

There could, however, be chinks in the South African batting line-up. In the absence of the dominant Herschelle Gibbs, there will be more pressure on Smith and Jacques Kallis. The South Africans have depth in this department, but are clearly short of a couple of experienced specialist batsmen. The Indians should spot an opportunity here.

The teams (from):

India: Rahul Dravid (capt.), Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Mohammed Kaif, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Ajit Agarkar, Harbhajan Singh, R.P. Singh, Jai Prakash Yadav, Murali Kartik, Gautam Gambhir and S. Sreesanth. Coach: Greg Chappell.

South Africa: Graeme Smith (capt.), A.B. de Villiers, Jacques Kallis, Ashwell Prince, Justin Kemp, Andrew Hall, Mark Boucher, Shaun Pollock, Andre Nel, Charl Langeveldt, Makhaya Ntini, Johan Botha, Albie Morkel, Justin Ontong and Robin Peterson. Coach: Micky Arthur.

Umpires: Daryl Harper and K. Hariharan; Third umpire: I. Sivaram; Match Referee: Jeff Crowe.

Hours of play: 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 1.15 p.m. till end of play.

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