Rahul Dravid on Tuesday dodged a question whether Sourav Ganguly's name would be in the team list he would exchange with his Pakistani counterpart Inzamam-ul Haq before the two players go out for the toss in the first cricket Test, starting in Lahore on Friday.
"We haven't thought yet about the playing eleven. At present all the squad members are up for selection. We would wait till we see the wicket and then decide on the matter," Dravid told reporters.
The Indian skipper also said his team wants to play good, attractive cricket to enthuse fans on both sides of the border.
| |||||||||||
"From a cricketer's point of view, playing good, attractive cricket is what entertains the crowd. This series is one of the most watched sporting events. We want to play good, attractive cricket."
Coach Greg Chappell refused to comment on who would open the Indian innings, but said it was a pleasant dilemma.
"We have three very good openers and it's unfortunate one of them would have to be left out. But that's a welcome sign. It's always better to have a dilemma on who to leave out rather than who to include."
Virender Sehwag, one of the three openers, maintained his recent slump in form is temporary.
"I am in good form. It's just that I am not converting 30s and 40s into bigger scores. Pakistan is my favourite team to play against and I have done well against them. I am ready for the challenge," said the batsman who became the first Indian to score a triple ton when he made 309 in Multan in 2004.
Sehwag is perceived as a key player in the Indian team by rival captain Inzamam-ul Haq and the other Pakistan team members given his penchant for scoring big against them.
Middle-order batsman V V S Laxman said he is looking forward to perform on a regular basis with the bat.
"I have had a couple of good series before coming here. I'm looking forward to contribute consistently to the team's cause. What's important is consistency."
Key pace bowler Irfan Pathan said he is now bowling better.
"I am really looking forward to the series. Last time when we played Pakistan at home, I was coming back from injury and could not do well. I am really bowling well now and hope to perform well. The practice game was useful."
Leg spinner Anil Kumble expressed happiness at being back in Pakistan for another series and felt his counterpart in the rival team, Danish Kaneria, is a much-improved bowler.
"It's good to be back here. We had a successful tour last time. I had a good series personally... Kaneria is a much-improved bowler and has done well for Pakistan. He's improved in a short span of time. He could play a very important role."
Kumble dismissed the suggestion that the cold conditions might affect his bowling.
"I have bowled in cold conditions in the past and after 15 years of international cricket I don't think it will be a handicap," he said.
Comeback men Zaheer Khan, Wasim Jaffer and Parthiv Patel expressed the hope of doing well if given a chance.
"I'm very happy to be back in the team. It's doing very well. I plan to contribute to the team's success whether I'm playing or not," said Zaheer, who was ignored for the three home Tests against Sri Lanka and 12 ODIs before being named in the touring party.
Jaffer, who last played for India in 2002, said, "I am happy to be part of the team. Hopefully, I can play a part."
Patel also expressed happiness to be back. "When I get an opportunity I will look towards making the most of it," he said.
First choice wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, on his maiden visit to this country, said, "It's going to be a tough series and we are all looking forward to it."
Experienced right-arm paceman Ajit Agarkar described the upcoming rubber as "a great challenge all of us have been looking forward to over the last couple of months".
"The warm-up game gave us good practice," he added.
Team manager Raj Singh Dungarpur said the team is a happy unit and blend of experience and youth.
"India-Pakistan series is even bigger than the Ashes and the team is a very good blend of experience and youth. It's a fine, happy side and I expect the team to do well in the series."
