Rahul Dravid made an attempt to stir up his teammates ahead of the series-decider against South Africa, saying they have the ability to bounce back.
He also said that his team appeared capable of beating the hosts at different stages in the series, but it is now imperative for them to perform at optimum level.
"If we can put some of our plans to work, we would be good. We have the ability to bounce back and we have appeared pretty capable at various stages of the series," Dravid told reporters on the eve of the third and final Test.
"We responded better in the Wanderers than at Kingsmead and now it's time to perform when the situation demands it," he said before nets in Cape Town on Monday morning.
Dravid felt the wicket at Newlands ground has a little moisture but he would not mind if the track ended up helping the bowlers.
"It looks a good wicket but I have always believed that our best chance is not in this but in those kind of wickets which help our seamers. Those are the tracks where if we can put on 250 runs on the board, it gives us a good chance as well.
"I am not the kind who worries too much about the pitches. It's how you play cricket for five days which is important. It's important that we bat for four sessions and we would aim so here."
Dravid was non-committal when asked if Virender Sehwag would be rested for the Test.
"We would not mind a hard decision if it is in the interest of the team but obviously we have to look at different conditions as well before deciding our composition."
Dravid has been central to India's plans and his failure in the first two Tests has not helped the team's cause. It was absolutely the key on the fourth evening when India was trying to bat out time in the second Test, which they went on to lose by 174 runs. It hurt all the more since it appeared to be a dodgy decision.
"You have to accept the umpiring decisions. Sometimes you get the rub of the green and sometimes you don't. I am generally happy with the standard of umpiring around the world. It's a good panel and they do a good job. They will make mistakes as they are humans. But there are a few pretty committed umpires."
South African skipper Graeme Smith said his side is highly motivated going into the final Test.
He was also happy that his side was able to keep the "dangerous" Sehwag in check in the series.
"We are happy that we have kept him down as our execution of plans has been very good to him. He is a dangerous player who can score a hundred in good time. It was good to knock him over in the second innings as he is a big cog in their team.
If at all Gautam Gambhir is played, Smith said his bowlers knew what line and length to bowl to him.
"We have seen Gautam (Gambhir) play in India and we know what line and lengths to bowl to him."
Smith expressed concern over the bruised foot of Andre Nel going into the Test while also hinting that spinner Paul Harris could come into the side.
"Spinners usually have a role in Newlands and I feel Harris could be playing the game."
Harris was beaming at the prospect of playing in the game although he has never bowled to the Indian top order.
"I have never bowled to Indian top order but if I am selected I will look to do what I've been generally doing -- keep the scoring down, especially in the first innings."
