Pre-Test Comments

On the Indian team: They had a very difficult tour of Australia. It8217;s never easy to make a come back under such circumstances. I think this thing should work a little in our favour.

On his own form: It wasn8217;t good in the Tests against England. I have couple of good knocks lately and I8217;m keen to rectify that. I enjoy touring the sub-continent and enjoy playing the spinners. Once you see the new ball off you can cash in.

SACHIN TENDULKARAtilde;tilde;

On the wicket: It looks good and hard. It is likely to take turn gradually. Overall, it8217;s a good Test pitch.

On South Africa: They are a good side. The whole world knows it. We don8217;t want to underestimate them. In fact, we like to concentrate on our game rather than them.

On his decision to step down from captaincy: I have taken a decision and I stand by it. But now I have a job at hand and that is I have to go out and play. Even if I8217;m not the captain I have the same responsibilities as a player of the Indian team.

KAPIL DEVAtilde;tilde;

On the team8217;s chances: It is a new series and one has to work towards it totally differently. We are trying to work that much harder. We had a bad tour in Australia, there is no doubt about that. Australia played extremely well and beat us convincingly. But on has to go ahead in life8230;

On being taciturn with the media on Tuesday: I don8217;t have to speak to the press every day. Today is the right time. Let8217;s not presume in creating stories which aren8217;t good.