Rahul Dravid has scored 4976 runs in 156 matches at an average of 37.42, including seven hundreds and 32 fifties, his highest score being 153. Against South Africa he has played in 22 matches, scoring 762 runs at an average of 36.28, highest score being 84. In the land of the Springboks, the Indian vice captain has a better record, 228 runs in five matches at an average of 45.60

Dravid will have to play the sheet anchor and it will be his job to provide a 'wall of defence' against a relentless South African pace attack. India's batting will largely depend on the three senior players and the youngsters, Yuvraj Singh and Virender Shewag.