Timid Indians have done wonders for Pakistan

"You have good individual skills. There are four-five batsmen in the side with a 40-plus average in ODIs, but why don’t they play their normal game against Pakistan? For God sake, don’t put so much pressure on Sachin Tendulkar," he added.

The former Pakistan skipper, with Indian connections (father Jehangir Khan played for India, himself born in Ludhiana) has always been known to calling a spade a spade. He was instrumental in getting the match-fixing and bribery allegations probed by a judge, the report of which is expected any day now. He also entered into a row with PCB president Khalid Mehmood and even openly criticised the appointment of the previous skipper Aamir Sohail. "I never compromised in my playing days. I owe a lot to the Pakistan cricket and would never hesitate in speaking the truth,” he said.

Belonging to a family of rich sporting tradition, Majid was one of the most successful Pakistan captains. He is also credited with shaping the career of his more famous cousin, Imran Khan. "Imran was always talented. He was a natural leader."

After Jehangir and Majid-Imran, the third-generation Khan blood is all ready to don the national colours. Majid’s enormously-talented son Bazid Khan has already led the national Under-19 side, and is poised to seal his berth in the senior side as well. "I don’t want to push him with things," Majid felt.

Majid would leave India with a "heavy heart, so affectionate have the people here been". He was further impressed when he came to know that the Punjab Cricket Association broke its tradition when they hosted their Pakistani guests (wives and children accompanying the club) on the ground itself. "I thank I.S. Bindra and the PCA members for welcoming us to our `home’. I hope they would give us a similar opportunity".