India firm favourites: Gavaskar

But he said India must play at the same level that earned them a historic win in Pak last year.

Batting great Sunil Gavaskar on Thursday said India would start as firm favourites in the cricket series against Pakistan since they have a better-balanced team than their rivals.

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"Indian team is strong and it has the home advantage. We have a good bowling attack and we certainly have a well balanced team," Gavaskar told reporters on the sidelines of a promotional function.

"I don't know much about the Pakistan team except for a couple of players," he said.

Gavaskar also dismissed claims made by both the camps that they would not be under pressure during the series.

"I think however much we try to play down, the pressure will be incredible. The pressure of expectation is unbelievable.

"India vs Pakistan series is always extraordinary and it is hard to describe. You may fail against any team, but certainly not against Pakistan," Gavaskar said.

The former Indian captain said India must display the same level of performance that they showed in Pakistan to emerge winners in the series.

"They played wonderfully well in Pakistan last year. But the level dropped a little in October against Australia. The players, however, again picked themselves up against South Africa.

"The lessons learn against Australia must be put into use against Pakistan."

On Sachin Tendulkar returning to action after an injury induced lay-off, Gavaskar said the little master would not be rusty despite the break.

"He is such a class player. He has got a lot of experience. So getting into the groove would not be a problem for him," he said.

On composition of the side for the first Test, starting at Mohali from March 8, Gavaskar said India should play with three seamers.