This is India's first limited-overs international outside the subcontinent in the last 15 months, though the twin victories in the warm-up matches against Sri Lanka in Birmingham and Australia in Cardiff would have given them a fair idea of the conditions.
Adding some mystery are the new ICC rules in the 50-over format, like two new balls that can be taken, no more than four fielders outside the 30-yard circle when a spinner is in attack, two bouncers per over and powerplays to be completed before 40th over.
The rules were implemented in January this year and this is the first time India will be playing under these rules outside the country.
The past record of South Africa never beating India in the Champions Trophy holds little relevance.
India go into the tournament as the top-ranked one-day side, but have lost five of their last seven internationals against South Africa, including a three-wicket defeat in the World Cup in Nagpur.
With every game a virtual shootout, both the former winners will be eager to make a head start in the tournament which is being held for the last time.
With two out of the four battle-hardened teams qualifying for the semifinals, all matches in group B are expected to be closely-fought affairs.
Gary Kirsten begins his final stint as South Africa's coach against former team India in this match.
The last time the two teams played a one-day international, during the 2011 World Cup, Kirsten was on the other side as India's coach, plotting their eventual title triumph on home soil.
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