Task on hand

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 country’s most reliable batsman, he will finally look to concentrate what he’s best at — batting.

VVS Laxman

For now, he’s concentrating only on the Test matches — his strength and the team’s need of the hour. The Hyderabadi has decided to take things match by match and there’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 he’s fit. The physio and his captain underline his statement. Only the match will prove whether India’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 wouldn’t let go) for a place in the side. Though the performance in the Challenger final will hold him in good stead.