E-Paper
Kumble, Inzy key: Kapil
The legendary all-rounder, however, said India would be under pressure as expectations at home were high and suggested them to attack.
Legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev believes that Indian spinner Anil Kumble and Pakistani captain Inzamam-ul-Haq would hold the key for their respective teams in the upcoming cricket series beginning at Mohali on Tuesday.
"I think if we look at bowling, a lot depends on Anil Kumble. If he gets going, then he could change the match within two hours," the former Indian captain said.
"Similarly from Pakistani point of view, their skipper Inzamam holds the key. He has a good record against India and in the conditions here, he could perform well."
Kapil, however, said India would be under pressure to win the series as expectations at home were high and suggested them go attacking in the first Test.
"At the moment you have to see which team is better. See, we are playing at home and the pressure to win is on us.
"For the Indian team it is a situation similar to what Pakistan faced last year. Expectations are high, and if the team does not win at home, it would face what Pakistan faced after Indians beat them last year. It would be said that the team is good only on paper," Kapil said.
"I think the first five days of the series — the first Test — is very important. Both teams are tense at the moment and to release pressure, both sides are saying the other is better.
"On paper one may say, the Indian side looks better, but remember in actual match play, one brilliant performance can change the match.
"Both teams want the first Test to pass, so that they can study the other side. But to make the series interesting, attacking is the best policy at the moment."
Regarding the Indian team's composition Kapil said: "We have many big names, but it is crucial that the names should match their performance. This is our biggest strength and weakness too.
"Sometimes when many big names are there, one thinks the other might steady the innings, but it does not happen always."
Asked whether he was worried about the fitness and form of Sachin Tendulkar, returning after an injured elbow, the former all-rounder said: "I am not worried about this.
"He has played great cricket during the last 15 years and I would say some unbelievable knocks. But remember, he is not going to be twenty again. One day his cricket career has to come to an end. The thing is expectation level from him is very high.
