Captain Rahul Dravid on Tuesday said India would continue to experiment with its batting order when they take on South Africa in the five-match limited overs' series, starting with the first one-day international in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
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But the Karnataka batsman said it is not necessary that the team would always send pinch-hitters at one down position as they had done during the 6-1 triumph over Sri Lanka.
"It depends on a particular situation and the player who we send in to bat at that slot," Dravid said after the team's practice session on the eve of the match.
"We have sent Irfan Pathan at that place in a particular situation. But we look at him as a player who is shaping into a good all-rounder who has been getting runs.
"But we have been sending Yuvraj Singh in that position also. Irrespective of the number, what we feel is more flexible will be done, and we have a good young side prepared to take risks."
Dravid refused to identify any one player from the opposition who could pose a threat to the Indians.
"The current South African side is more experienced than the one that visited last time (to play in two Tests).
"We are not focussing on individual players but we look at the team as a whole and focus ourselves to form strategies," he said.
Visiting captain Graeme Smith said the toss could play a crucial role.
"The morning dew factor plays a vital role in shaping the innings. But we are prepared to play in such conditions with a positive mind frame," he said.
South Africa have had a feel of the conditions as they warmed up with a eight-wicket victory against a Hyderabad Cricket Association XI on Monday.
The tourists first bundled out the local side for 127 before overhauling the target in just over 25 overs.
The South African skipper felt picking early wickets and making use of the helpful conditions is the only way to stop India.
"We are a strong and intimidating side. Maybe we need some luck. We would like to see the back of Sachin Tendulkar as he cannot be taken for granted. We can mount pressure on India if we take a few early wickets," Smith said.
Dravid predicted a close match.
"The pitch looks good and anything above 250 must be very reasonable (total)," he said.
His counterpart however foresaw a big scoring game.
"If the team batting first has a little luck, they could cross 300. We will try to make the most of the field restrictions," Smith said.
