Ind SA T1 Preview: India, SA Trade War of Words , India's Poor Record, No.1 Rank

Don't be fooled by the reception party pictures. It is the talk of the town that is giving a fair indication of what's to come in the forthcoming India South Africa series.

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Some are calling it scared South Africa playing it out with words. Others are brandishing Mahendra Singh Dhoni's confident talk as a sign of the changing times. What cannot be debated, however, is that India have to make history in South Africa as they continue their hold over the no.1 Test ranking.

For many reasons, South Africa are riled as well as excited about the prospect of meeting India on their own turf. India pipped them to the Test mace and ever since South Africa have never quite seemed like the team to succeed Australia to the Test supremacy.

India represent the present pinnacle in the sport and South Africa would like to get their pride back by humbling the no.1s. And they are playing up nicely the fact that South Africa's pace and bounce friendly pitches have not been kind to the Indians on past tours. By playing up the angle, they are hoping to create a psychological wedge or two.

However, as Dhoni, the Indian captain, reiterated, the Indian team of the present is different from its predecessors. It has arrived here on the back of successes that have been a culmination of strength at home and rare wins overseas. And going by that career graph in the past couple of years, there is no reason why the Indians should falter now in continuing the trend, provided they can tackle the pitches and South Africa's pace attack.

South Africa have had their frail moments in the past, which is why they trail India in the rankings. But they are certainly not taking a backseat when it comes to the war in words, clearly hoping to step up the pressure before the real game begins tomorrow at the Super sport park in Centurion as the first Test gets underway.

South Africa are relying very heavily on their batsmen to come good but also, hoping that Dale Steyn can find his rhythm in what could be a lethal new bowling proposition with Morne Morkel to partner. India have concerns in that department with Zaheer Khan reportedly still delicate for the job and Sreesanth a bit of a worry as well. But what they will lack in the bowling firepower, with the South African bowlers having been bred on these pitches, they will look to make up with their famed batting line up led by Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.

Dhoni's only other query besides Zaheer will be whether to give Chesteshwar Pujara the nod ahead of Suresh Raina. Dhoni had wanted Raina to get extended rest before the series but the break has been scarce and Dhoni could well play a gamble for that final batting spot. Dhoni will know that the South African attack can be quickly blunted if the batsmen, particularly those like Virender Sehwag, can get on top. A lot will depend on Graeme Smith's fitness with South Africa are to receive similar fillip of strength through their batting order.

It is the ultimate battle on the pitch. It is time to leave the words behind.