senior players have left for SA

Yes, this tactics is a new one. Kirsten's plan. Whether it works or not, doesn't matter much. The fact is the youngsters were sent earlier to get more time to be accustomed with the weather and climate of the South Africa. Later seniors and others joined them. The players who had played the last match against the Kiwis joined in the last batch. Can't predict so early whether the tactics will help India to do well in the upcoming series but there were no harm in this tactics

i dont think it as a big tactic, but this will give the senior players the needed rest. which is a very good thing. surely every one expect india to win in SA also, as they are now in their peak form.

Hi, This is first foreign tour outside subcontinent after becoming numero uno/ number one. Indian have been always criticized that they are lions on their own turf but can not win outside Indian particularly (subcontinent) majorly because of the difference in pitches. This time India is playing against SA and that too in their own country, so they will obviously have the home advantage. South Africa is ranked number two and is behind India by just 13 points. Apart from that they are in good form. So India do need special tactics. I think these tactics are to give senior players extra time to get adjusted to the weather and pitches in South Africa which are bit bouncy and helps fast bowlers rather than spinners. And I think this is correct strategy, so that players can not blaim it on excessive cricket. Hope India comes home as winner which will help them not only to retain their number 1 title but also boost confidence for WorldCup 2011. All the best to Team India

RSA has their home field advantage as we have our home field advantage.. They do prepare their field according to their bowlers and moreover RSA batsmen are very impressive in their recent series.. It is going to be a tough game against them...We need to perform well to take a mighty team in their home field and everybody is performing well...

It is really good move by coach Kirsten to send the advanced party to South Africa to get acclimatize to the conditions there. We have seen time and again how our players, used to slow surfaces in India, find it difficult to cope up with fast bouncy pitches of S.A..We have to thank Kirsten for using his good offices to arrange the practice sessions for our players. The move bears all the more importance Considering that the tour will decide number one team in I.C.C. test rankings.

I think the senior players have had a break and are fresh for the series in South Africa,I think this will help them to perform more better this time.I think this tactic will give some reward for the Indian team.I hope Gary's idea works out well.