If India can blunt South African pace, this could still be an open series ©BCCI

India played Sri Lanka eighteen times in six months and it is safe to conclude that such a frequency of engagement will never be repeated. In sport, we often use words like 'contest' and 'competition' in a generic sense. Apart from a session here and there, neither word applies to these matches. The teams engaged with each other rather than stood arrayed in competition.

And so, while it is difficult to draw major conclusions, it must be conceded on behalf of this team that they didn't choose their opponents. Having been offered those, they did what a team should; drive the opposition to hopelessness most days and that is an indicator of resolve.

I liked the fact that the team tested itself, especially towards the end in the limited overs games and playing only five bowling options in the T20 internationals was a strong move. It meant you weren't allowed a bad day and if you had one, as Yadav and Chahal looked like they might in Indore, you had to come fighting back, you couldn't lick your wounds at deep point.

The danger with playing a weak opposition is that it tests neither your patience nor your resolve because you can fall into the habit of believing that a favourable turn is round the corner; or if you are in a tricky position, that someone will shepherd the team to safety. We saw that in Kolkata where India were given a fright and ended up being half-an-hour away from winning. And so it is the fright that stands out, not as much the dominance.

When the ball was seaming around, both in Kolkata and in Dharmasala, India allowed Suranga Lakmal to look unplayable. 4-26 in 19 overs in Kolkata and 4-13 in 10 overs at Dharmasala suggested a chink in the armour that stronger sides could capitalise on conclusively. Sri Lanka only had one Lakmal, other teams in such conditions will have at least three and India's batsmen will have to respect the bowler, even to concede a session or two without losing wickets. Techniques which can be softened by inadequate opposition and amiable wickets will have to be tightened. The sizzling, on the rise drive of joy might have to give way to an unremarkable leave. Mere existence may be more important than indulgent living.

And so, in South Africa, confidence will be examined, the swagger will be tested and grit will have to be worn like a badge of honour. Lead bowlers will become defensive bowlers and those that waited for the ball to reverse to nick a wicket or two will have to walk out first and ask that the others follow. In India, on most days, you throw the ball to Ashwin and Jadeja and the mind is free to contemplate trickier issues in life.

In South Africa, Shami and Bhuvaneshwar and Ishant and Yadav must bowl like leaders. It isn't something they have done too often. It is one thing to look very impressive in bursts, quite another to bear responsibility and produce wickets. India's success will lie largely in whether that transition can take place.

South Africa at home are a formidable side and indeed, India's record in South Africa isn't inspiring. But they can sometimes be moody, they can let the climate off the field infiltrate the air on it. In recent times, they have suffered through absence of key players and that suggests that bench strength isn't great. India's batsmen don't mind pace and swing troubles them more than bounce does. If they can blunt South African pace, this could still be an open series.

And yes, the teams will compete, not merely engage with each other.

© Cricbuzz