Mansur Ali Khan ‘Tiger’ Pataudi blamed India’s decision not to opt for two specialist spinners to misreading of the Mohali wicket. In Mohali with wife Sharmila, Pataudi played straight saying, ‘‘I guess they misread the pitch. The green tinge is misleading to me. It’s been done and given the early blows India is in a good position. But I still feel they should have played two spinners.’’ A special guest of Punjab Cricket Association, Pataudi also felt that the wicket did not enough bounce. ‘‘There’s not enough carry which tells you that. ‘‘Ideally, India should have gone with five bowlers but I don’t think Sourav likes to opt for five specialist bowlers. ‘‘There will surely be help for spinners from the third day.’’ About the balance of the two sides, Pataudi said India is betterly balanced and has experience. ‘‘The Pakistan team is young and inexperienced,’’ he said. He also termed the Indian team as the best ever in history. ‘‘This is a very experienced line-up. Possibly the best ever which any Indian team has ever boasted in its history. There have been a Sunil Gavaskar or a G R Viswanath but rarely do you find such talent all put together in one Indian team.’’ For someone who never clashed against the arch rivals himself, Pataudi was seen soaking in the atmosphere. ‘‘I’ve never played against them but made friends with a lot of Pakistan cricketers.’’
