India take a cautious approach

Munaf certain to play; Dhoni may miss Test

CAPE TOWN: In 2006, India won a Test series in the West Indies after 35 years. That was in July. Will 2007 be privileged with its share of history as early as January?

Before the start of this tour, few would have given the tourists half a chance of coming to Cape Town with the Test series level at 1-1. And this team has tasted the bubbly less than a fortnight ago. Besides, the Indians must be heartened that conditions in Cape Town are better than they were in Johannesburg or Durban.

“We have shown throughout the series that we are capable of competing with South Africa,” said skipper Rahul Dravid.

For the first time in this series, however, Dravid refrained from announcing the final 12 on match eve. “There are a couple of issues — injury and stuff,” he said. “We will have to see how Dhoni goes after practice.”

There are only three changes possible. Dhoni’s injury may hand Dinesh Kaarthick the gloves. Munaf Patel is certain to come in for VRV Singh.

That left-handed opener Gautam Gambhir should come in is not difficult to fathom. But whether the think-tank will muster the courage to drop the desperately out-of-form Virender Sehwag is a question that will only be answered today.