Who will be the key players for India in South Africa? Sanjay Manjrekar picks them out Sourav Ganguly
The out-of-form Indian captain is fortunate that the tour starts with the one-day matches. Kenya, the third team in the tournament, should provide him with some easy pickings. If he spends time in the middle, he'll enter the Test series with increased confidence.

Sachin Tendulkar
Post-injury comebacks are never easy. Historically, Sachin has never needed much match-practice. Knocks in the nets are enough preparation for him and he's had plenty of that in Mumbai. There will be the pressure of a poor one-day track record on South African soil - where he averages only 25.8 - but South Africa have cause to worry as well. While Sachin may seem outwardly unconcerned about such statistics, he is conscious of these things and will be looking to set the record straight. Brace yourself for at least a couple of extraordinary matchwinning innings.

Rahul Dravid
Rahul is the only Indian player without question-marks over either fitness or form. His defensive technique will be a boon on the South African pitches, even in the one-dayers. His century in the 1996-97 Johannesburg Test was ample evidence of his ability to adjust to these conditions.

Virender Sehwag
He'll have to prove on this tour that his blazing century as an opener in Sri Lanka was no flash in the pan. The team management, however, should resist sending him in at the top of the order here. He would serve the team better by lurking as a threat in the middle order.

Yuvraj Singh
His one-day debut against Australia in the ICC Trophy in Kenya last year was probably the most impressive baptism I have seen. That Nairobi pitch had plenty of pace and bounce, and suited his style. Similar pitches in South Africa will provide an ideal opportunity for him finally to put to rest all speculation about his ability.

Anil Kumble
On his way back after a prolonged recuperation from a major shoulder injury, Kumble will be the focus of everybody's attention. An unorthodox spinner, Kumble relies greatly on accuracy and pace. Both these attributes will be affected if his shoulder is anything less than 100 per cent. Devoid of the flair and the variety of a Shane Warne, adapting to changes will not be easy and this makes his complete recovery that much more critical.

Harbhajan Singh
South African batsmen are wary of good spinners, and Harbhajan is better than just good. I wonder what effect his recent exploits against the Australians have had on the South Africans. If they are daunted by his reputation, Harbhajan could again be a matchwinner. His commitment to the team cause is commendable. I get the feeling that while the South Africans are focusing on Harbhajan the offspinner, they might just be surprised by Harbhajan the batsman. However, we should tone down our expectations of this young man, and ease the pressure on him.

Venkatesh Prasad
He could be India's surprise package. His matchwinning spell in the second Test against Sri Lanka has given him some much-needed confidence. With a better cricketing brain than Javagal Srinath, Prasad compensates for his lack of pace by pitching the ball up - traditionally a problem area for the South Africans. He must curb his tendency to bowl too much on middle stump, which means he is often carted for runs through the leg side. A foot outside the off stump should be the channel to aim for. If he can manage that kind of control, his career as an international cricketer will get a new lease of life.

Tomorrow, Sanjay Manjrekar appraises the rest of the Indian team. He will be doing Session by Session throughout the series.

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