Even after defeating India, I still have the highest respect for them as opponents. They played tough cricket and tried as hard as they could but the fact of the matter is that they could not handle the pressure as well as we did.However, I would certainly say here that Rahul Dravid’s decision to open the innings in the series did help our cause. Dravid is an excellent one-down batsman, probably the best in the world. But there is always a difference between an opener and a one-down batsman no matter even if the No. 3 batsman has to be at the crease on the second ball of the innings.The mindset and the approach of an opener and No. 3 batsman is absolutely different and I can say this with conviction because I have batted at both positions, at least in one-dayers if not the Tests.Dravid managed to give his best in Lahore and Faisalabad probably because the conditions were comparatively easier. But when the conditions and match situation changed in Karachi, he struggled and in both the innings and became the first batsman to be dismissed.When a batsman of the calibre and quality of Dravid becomes the first casualty, the opponents see a window of opportunity and if the opponents are as opportunists and shrewd as Pakistan, then they would hardly provide India a comeback chance, which we didn’t give. To me, handling the pressure and performing in those situations has been the decisive factor in the series that was decided in Karachi after two high scoring draws.To me, the find of the series has undoubtedly been young Mohammad Asif. The lanky bowler kept coming up with something new and the Indian batsmen had no clue what to expect next. I don’t believe that the techniques of the Indian batsmen was faulty. (PTI)
