De Villiers say 'tough' Proteas team to take on India in opening Champions Trophy game

South African captain AB de Villiers has said that they have come into the ICC Champions Trophy tournament as a tough team, ahead of their opening match against India at Sophia Gardens on Thursday.

Stating that the team will be riding on their experiences from Amsterdam and the workout against Pakistan for the tournament opener, De Villiers said that they are strong and mentally ready to take on India, Sport24 reports.

Admitting that the Proteas will look to exploit the advantage of having crossed paths with majority of India's players during the Indian Premier League, De Villiers also said that the advantage would give them a strategic point of view, adding that they will have a lot of information on their opposing team.

However, De Villiers felt that there are no positives or negatives for either India or South Africa, saying that it is a matter of playing together as a team tomorrow and added that the best team will come out on top.

Taking confidence from their warm-up match against Pakistan, the Proteas skipper further said that he is not disappointed to lose the warm-up game as he felt that it was a wake -up call for the team, reminding them that they have to get ready for the mega event.

Stating that the team's bowlers had a good practice in the warm-up game despite losing, De Villiers however, said that there is no more room for error in the main tournament.

Meanwhile, the report added that Dale Steyn remains doubtful for the match, with a decision on his availability to be made early on Thursday morning as he continues to receive intensive treatment for a side strain sustained in the match against Pakistan.