Pakistan can expect a hard and close Test series against an Indian side including their recalled former captain Sourav Ganguly next month, Pakistani skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq said on Saturday.
"They have announced a very balanced, strong and experienced touring squad for the Tests," Inzamam said.
"The decision to recall Sourav shows they have gone for experience," he told Reuters in an interview.
India's selectors recalled Ganguly to a 16-strong squad announced on Saturday after dropping him for the third and last Test against Sri Lanka, which India won on Thursday to claim the home series 2-0. The left-hander has suffered a slump in form.
"Sourav is a very experienced campaigner and he led them to Pakistan last year in a successful series. I think they are counting on him to deliver in Pakistani conditions," Inzamam said.
India are scheduled to play three Test matches followed by five one-dayers in Pakistan.
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"He has played in numerous matches against India and also been to Pakistan twice. The Indian selectors feel he can better handle the pressures of playing Pakistan than any younger player," Inzamam said.
Inzamam said the 2-0 home series victory over England, which ended on Dec. 3 would count for nothing against India as the pressures and expectations of an India-Pakistan series surpassed every other contest.
"The only thing in our favour is that our boys are confident after beating England and are in form."