Sachin Tendulkar will be the difference between winning and losing for Pakistan when they tour India later this month, according to former Pakistani captain Saeed Anwar.
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The world-record holder for the highest one-day score says even a half-fit Tendulkar would pose a threat to the prospects of Pakistani team which is to play three Tests and five one-dayers against the arch-rivals.
"I know every Pakistan supporter will be hoping that Sachin doesn't play while the Indians must be praying for his speedy recovery," Anwar told PTI in an interview on Tuesday.
"I mean that's natural. A half-fit Sachin is also a threat to the opponents. He is such a big influence that his presence in the dressing room motivates his team and keeps the opponents under pressure.
"And if Sachin is not fit for the series, then I think Pakistan will certainly be favourites," the former left-handed batsman said.
Tendulkar is nursing an elbow injury but is expected to be fit in time for the tour beginning on February 25.
Anwar also had some other valuable tips for the Pakistanis who he said must target India's top-order batting line-up as their middle-order was not capable of staging a recovery in case of a collapse.