We’re determined, nothing else matters: Sachin

CHENNAI, MAY 20: Sachin Tendulkar sat like the Little Buddha' on a chair outside the dressing room as mediamen were on their haunches and ...

CHENNAI, MAY 20: Sachin Tendulkar sat like the Little Buddha’ on a chair outside the dressing room as mediamen were on their haunches and some even standing to see through the mask of cool confidence. But what one got in return was typical Tendulkarian, I-can-take-the-pressure attitude.

“We are determined, very focused and would like to qualify for the final,” said Tendulkar in his pre-match comment. “We have a strategy. But it is not right to reveal it to the media. If we win this game, the general interest will be more.”

What hit them in Mumbai, a gale force called Jayasuriya ?

“He is batting well. It’s not easy to contain him when he plays like that. I think we should carry on the way we played against New Zealand.

Does the defeat rankle ?

“Losing is not a new phenomenon. It can happen to any side. We have to get over the feelings and start afresh.”

Don’t we have to contend with yet another blaster in Afridi on Wednesday?

“Afridi is capable of scoring quick runs. Saeed Anwar, Ijaz and Salim Malik make a very good batting line-up.

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What about the Pakistani bowling ? “I haven’t seen much of their bowling as we were playing continuously. Mahmood played against us in Toronto. Razzak is an unknown commodity.”

Did he have a dekko at the wicket ?

“I have to see the wicket again. There is a day to go. It looks like a nice batting wicket. I hope it doesn’t break. We will take a closer look.”

What does he prefer? Batting first or second?

“It won’t make any difference. But we have to make 50 plus for the first wicket.”

Was heat and humidity a factor for the defeat in Mumbai?

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“The loss of early wickets upset the plan. It happens.”

Is he under pressure as he is taking on Pakistan for the first time at home? “Not at all.”

Are you a batsmen short?

“No. Nayan has a 150 in Test and he is playing at No 7. Joshi has to contribute as an all-rounder. We expect some quick runs from him.Any surprises, like introducing a spinner in the very first over? “It’s not so easy to reshuffle our plans. Kiwis’ strategy is different ours is different.