'India strong even without Sachin'

Wary of India's comeback record, Adam Gilchrist said the hosts could strike back in the second Test despite Sachin Tendulkar's absence.

Wary of India's comeback record, Australian stand-in captain Adam Gilchrist on Wednesday said the hosts could strike back in the second cricket Test despite the absence of Sachin Tendulkar.

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"Definitely it's a different feel to the Indian lineup without Sachin there. He has a calming influence on the team and no doubt about his experience. But, I am not discounting the Indians producing a fantastic performance," he told a press conference on the eve of the crucial Test.

"They (India) have been in the scenario before where they had lost and lot of ex-players and others come out and talk harshly of them like who should bowl and who should stay and (suggesting) wholesome changes. We have been here before and we have seen them fight back.

"So, Sachin or no Sachin, we have got no doubt. With all due respects to Sachin, he is the best batsman I have ever played against, it was he who turned it around for them in Sydeny but it wasn't him in Kolkata. He hasn't been the one who hurt us... We cannot worry about Tendulkar until he is back in the team," he said.