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Pakistan will be under pressure, says Harbhajan

Harbhajan Singh, the Indian offspinner, says that Pakistan has to contend with the immense pressure of playing a three-Test series at home to an Indian side that comprehensively defeated them on their last tour to the country

Cricinfo staff
01-Jan-2006
Harbhajan Singh, the Indian offspinner, says that Pakistan has to contend with the immense pressure of playing a three-Test series at home to an Indian side that comprehensively defeated them on their last tour to the country.
India and Pakistan play the first match of the series at Lahore on January 13, and Harbhajan, who was unable to take part in the last series between the two teams owing to a finger injury, believes the home side have to up the ante. "The last series held in Pakistan was won by India and this time they will be under heavy pressure to ensure it does not happen again," Harbhajan said to BBC Sport. "We have improved a lot under new coach Greg Chappell's guidance and our unity has only improved further."
While admitting that Pakistan might be enjoying good form - especially after beating England 2-0 - he believes that India could definitely beat Pakistan. He also said that the pressure would not be on certain individuals of both sides, but on every member.
"It is not only [recalled former captain] Sourav Ganguly, but every player will be under pressure to perform well in due to the sentimentalities involved with India-Pakistan matches," he said. "There have been reports that fast pitches will welcome us. We will chalk out our final strategy after assessing the pitches."