The pressure is on Pakistan: Yuvraj

All-rounder Yuvraj Singh has lashed out at former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif for calling the Indian team 'underachievers'.

Yuvraj Singh told rediff.com that Latif should have checked his facts before making such a statement. "At least we make it to the finals of tournaments," he said. "They [the Pakistanis] also know deep down how badly they have performed against Australia. I think they should look at themselves first and then comment on other teams."

To rub it in, he added, "At least the person making the statement should be in the team."

Wicket-keeper Latif was dropped for the recent tour of New Zealand after he stepped down as captain before the home series against South Africa last October.

A look at Pakistan's record against Australia in the last 20 years reveals a very poor picture. Pakistan have won only three Tests [two at home and the third a dead rubber in 1995 in Australia] since March 1984.

Yuvraj Singh, who had a successful tour of Australia, said playing in Pakistan would be the biggest high of his life so far. "How many players get to tour Pakistan?" he said. "The biggest opportunity is to play under pressure. Any Indian player who does well on the tour will go higher in his international career.

"The pressure to succeed in Pakistan will be huge and will test the character of true cricketers."

But the Punjab all-rounder also said "the pressure will be on the Pakistanis. After all, they are playing at home." 

Talking about the security concerns of the Indian team, he said, "Sure, the boys had security issues. We were worried that there could be a bomb waiting for us somewhere.

"But we are not scared to tour Pakistan. If soldiers can die fighting on the border, we can at least [play] cricket."