Expectations adding to pressure

Every time a big match comes up, I am asked about the pressure factor. For Team India, slowly coming to terms with itself, it requires one big effort on Sunday, writes Sourav Ganguly

Every time a big match comes up, I am asked about the pressure factor. Well, there are two kinds of pressures really. One is inbuilt that comes from playing the sport. You have to take it as it comes. The other is the one a team invites upon itself. This kind of pressure needs attention first as it is more difficult to handle.

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For Team India, slowly coming to terms with itself, it requires one big effort on Sunday. Having said that, this is my second Asia Cup final – the first one as captain. I don't have happy memories of the previous one that was played in Colombo seven years ago. We had lost then. But on Sunday, I would like to balance the equation by taking the Cup home.

It won't be easy though, for the Sri Lankans are a formidable side, especially at home. Our two matches against them in this edition have been pretty close affairs with each side winning a game. With a bit of luck, we could have made it 2-0. However, to be fair, the Sri Lankan captain too, can make a similar claim.

Much is being made of the toss. I don't think it will be a big factor in the final. The Premadasa Stadium wicket holds no terror for us as we have played here on several occasions in the past.

Chasing under the lights is always a bit of a worry, but all we need is to get used to the pace of the wicket and adapt. It is not too much to ask for at the top level where batsmen have to continuously make adjustments to their technique to come up trumps.

The good news is that VVS Laxman will be back to bolster our batting. Everytime he has got a big score in the recent past, India have won. Virender Sehwag's all-round effort in the last game should do wonders to his confidence.

He must, once more, apply himself to the task. The rewards will follow. I am counting on him and Sachin Tendulkar to give us the kind of start we need. If that happens, half the battle would be won.

From the Sri Lankans, the danger man is Sanath Jayasuriya, not Muralitharan. He is in great form as he showed in the last match against us. It was a quality knock. We were lucky to get him when we did, and force a win. Our bowlers must have a plan ready for him.

Playing at home invites pressure from fans. Sri Lanka will have to cope with it. For us, the pressure comes from growing expectations from a team that wants to be the best in the world. Asian supremacy will be a big step in that direction.

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