Bangalore: It may still be a full house on Saturday, but the build-up to ODI No. 2 between India and South Africa has been sans the frenzy seen across the country during the just-ended series against Sri Lanka.

Such a low-key build-up could work to India’s advantage as Rahul Dravid seeks to make it 1-1 in the five-match Pepsi Cup. It will, of course, be an emotional moment when he goes for the toss with Graeme Smith ? never before has this city’s favourite son of the present times led India in his hometown.

Dravid, however, isn’t allowing sentiments to overwhelm him. In fact, when The Telegraph asked whether he remembered either the outcome or his own score on his first appearance at the Chinnaswamy, he said: “I know I was 14, but that’s it... I don’t recall the scores, but I probably played for Bangalore United Cricket Club...”

Given that Dravid is familiar with every blade of grass is also an advantage. Yet, that bit can’t be overplayed because the South Africans are known to make a scientific assessment of each venue.

They didn’t have anything to fall back on, before the first ODI (at the new stadium in Hyderabad), but emerged convincing winners.

Vice-captain Jacques Kallis, who stood in for Smith at the pre-match Media conference, emphasised they would “continue” with the game plan adopted in Hyderabad. After the five-wicket victory, there’s really no need to change anything.

Another win (the 21st) is going to place South Africa on a par with world record-holders Australia, but Kallis declared they wouldn’t try and over-reach by “doing anything different” from the last 20 ODIs.

He added: “Our roles are clearly defined and everyone knows what’s expected of each of them... The new coach (Mickey Arthur) has brought about honesty within the team and the team spirit has lifted. Technically, too, he’s clued-in.”

Hyderabad notwithstanding, the South Africans won’t be taking anything lightly. As Kallis put it: “The Indians have batters and bowlers who can take the match away at any stage... Today, the series looks finely balanced. The momentum, though, is with us and the pressure on India.”

Talking of pressure, South Africa’s numero uno star remarked he had been subjected to it from the start of his career, a decade ago. “Different people have different ways of handling it... I take each game and each ball as it comes... I’m comfortable with that.”

The Indians, according to Dravid, are “thinking of a few things and a few ideas” and that “different areas” are being looked at. As for coach Greg Chappell (who has made Bangalore his second home), every team provides a “challenge” and he reminded that his wards had “what it takes to beat South Africa.”

Chappell admitted that the team knew “more” about the visitors after Hyderabad. “Now, we’ve got a better idea of how they intend tackling our bowlers and what they intend throwing at our batsmen...”

Given the quality of the South African pace attack, which reduced us to 35 for five in the opening ODI, it’s possible that Dravid will himself bat at No. 3. He didn’t confirm, but accepted it was “one option.”

While Kallis felt the wicket (incidentally, sans the moisture seen in Hyderabad) would aid spin, Dravid didn’t reveal much: “Let’s say it’s a good wicket... Whatever else, I’m going to keep close to my chest.”

The Indians will be tempted to have both specialist spinners ? Harbhajan Singh and Murali Kartik ? on call. All XV are available for selection.

The South Africans, however, have a problem: Charl Langeveldt pulled his left hamstring in Hyderabad and has to undergo a fitness test at 11.30 am ? three hours before the match gets underway. It’s likely that Smith will have to change the victorious XI.

Dew is bound to come into play and, on Friday, the South African bowlers practised with wet balls. A nice idea to get a feel, but the actual conditions may be worse. Whoever adapts with the least adjustment could be best placed to call ? or play ? the shots.

SA security officer

The South Africans, meanwhile, are travelling with a security officer from back home. The gentleman, Bob Nicolls, has apparently done “some work” for tycoon-MP Vijay Mallya in the past and, so, got chosen for this assignment. He’s employed by a private firm.

TEAMS

India (from) Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Irfan Pathan, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Rahul Dravid, Mohammed Kaif, Yuvraj Singh, Ajit Agarkar, Murali Kartik, Harbhajan Singh, Rudra Pratap Singh, Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, S. Sreesanth, Jai Prakash Yadav.

South Africa (from) Graeme Smith, AB de Villiers, Justin Ontong, Jacques Kallis, Ashwell Prince, Justin Kemp, Mark Boucher, Shaun Pollock, Johan Botha, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Andrew Hall, Albie Morkel, Robin Peterson, Charl Langeveldt.

Umpires: Daryl Harper, A.V. Jayaprakash
TV: K. Hariharan
Match Referee: Jeff Crowe.
Match starts: 2.30 pm.