
Sachin Tendulkar
For the first time, his batting will not be watched as closely as his elbow. Keeping in mind the bigger picture Pak series, the little master8217;s priority will be to first get the rhythm going rather than scoring runs.
Rahul Dravid
Though the Vice-Captain denies it for now, his role as a wicket-keeper batsman might well take a pause if Mahendra Dhoni walks into the team. Shifting focus from a dual role to continuing as the country8217;s most reliable batsman, he will finally look to concentrate what he8217;s best at 8212; batting.
VVS Laxman
For now, he8217;s concentrating only on the Test matches 8212; his strength and the team8217;s need of the hour. The Hyderabadi has decided to take things match by match and there8217;s no better place to begin than the home ground. The stylish batsman will also look to erase memories of a very ordinary Deodhar Trophy that went by.
Anil Kumble
Every time he will walk on the field against Pakistan, he is sure to remember the 10-wicket haul. The leggie will be flexing his fingers at the thought that Pakistanis have after all been a trifle weak against quality spin Remember the performance against Warne in Australia.
Irfan Pathan
He says he8217;s fit. The physio and his captain underline his statement. Only the match will prove whether India8217;s best pace bet in recent times is ready to take on the Pakistanis.
Zaheer Khan
For once the media attention is not on him, especially when all talk is about injuries. Khan seems to have chalked out is own battle plan and is little worried about anything else. Performances in the Challenger Trophy have brought him into the rhythm and bowling on a track as that in Hyderabad will only bolster his confidence.
Laxmipathy Balaji
The man who has to fight his way back. After a long miss on the international front, the Chennai bowler will have to battle it out with Nehra impressive six-wicket haul, Zaheer good stint at the Challenger and Pathan who even Wasim Akram wouldn8217;t let go for a place in the side. Though the performance in the Challenger final will hold him in good stead.