India were the joint-winners with hosts Sri Lanka in the 2002 Champions Trophy.

The recall of Rahul Dravid to the One-day team after almost two years will serve India well on pacy South African pitches.

'Dravid batting at number three especially in South African conditions that suit fast bowlers will be of big help,' said Dhoni.

'We have some stroke players in the lower order and it's important to give them a platform from where they can launch their innings.'

'It's a tournament where you expect tough competition. We are preparing for each and every team in the same way, it doesn't really make any difference whether it is Pakistan or Australia or Zimbabwe,' he said.

India will be without their bowling spearhead Zaheer Khan, who is also nursing a shoulder injury.

The team will look upto Ishant Sharma, who received some belting in the tri-series, and comeback man Ashish Nehra to deliver.

'There is a lot of scope for improvement in the bowling department. We have to do well in the bowling department, especially in the middle overs and in the slog overs. We also need to raise our fielding standard,' Dhoni said.