South Africa's top allrounder Jacques Kallis believes that the 'unknown' tag attached to most of his young teammates could work in favour of the team in the two-match cricket Test series against India beginning in Kanpur on Saturday.
Kallis said India might hold an edge since they are far more experienced, but the South Africans would give nothing away on a platter to the hosts.
"You don't know a lot of our guys, they are new. So you really don't know what to expect. I think that can work in our favour," Kallis said.
The 29-year-old, who is one of the key figures in the new-look team, is aware of his role during the series.
"As a senior in the team, I am aware of my role. The responsibility is huge and I am ready for it. I am now looking forward to the series.
"Obviously as a senior, the youngsters look up to you for guidance. So you have a role to play both on the field and off it. The young guys are all keen to do well but they need to be groomed properly," he said.
Kallis said he was mentally prepared for the tour and his recent experience of playing in sub-continental conditions would come handy while handling the Indian spinners.
"How I play will depend on the situation my team is in. I have to shoulder a lot of responsibility in batting, so my approach will be different. I have to put all my experience in playing in sub-continental conditions to use here.
"The Indians have quality spinners in Kumble and Harbhajan. They will be coming at you always. But I have also learnt a lot. I think it is important to pick the right ball to hit, the shot selection has to be perfect to be able to succeed," Kallis said.
The strongly-built all-rounder, who suffered a side strain during the three-day match against Board President's XI, has recovered fully and will be in the team for the first Test beginning at the Green Park Stadium.
"Fortunately, it was not a serious injury. I am okay now and hopefully will get some big scores in the series."
Asked whether there was additional pressure on him since there were not too many seniors in the team, Kallis said "there is pressure every time you play an international match.
"So one gets quite used to the pressure".
Kallis accepted that the team has been going through a lean patch with a string of defeats in recent times but said every top side goes through such periods.
"Our Test form is not all that bad, but in one-dayers it has not been all that good," he said.
"At the moment it is a difficult period, a transition period. It happens to all the teams when a number of seniors retire. We need some time to rebuild. We have the potential but we need some to time settle down."
