Buoyed by the victory over Australia in the Mumbai Test, India skipper Sourav Ganguly exhorted his team to make significant individual contributions to turn tables on Pakistan in the Board of Control for Cricket in India's Platinum Jubilee One-Day International in Kolkata on Saturday.
"We have to play as a unit. Each one of the unit has to contribute to fashion a win," Ganguly said during a pre-match press meet, where he also declared himself fit for the match.
Asserting that it would be a high pressure game at the Eden Gardens, Ganguly said, "It is going to be a great atmosphere. Some players thrive in such pressure situations before a large crowd. Some don't."
Asked about India's chances, he said, as in all ODIs, it depends on how the teams fare on the morrow.
He said Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar would open the batting for India and he would come at number three.
"Sehwag is comfortable as an opener. He is also used to opening in the Tests. I'm comfortable at one down," he said.
Queried whether he is making a sacrifice in the interest of the team after having indicated a keenness to open two days back, Ganguly replied, "You have to think about the team first."
He said the victory over Australia at Mumbai had pepped the team.
"Good that we won that game. Victory makes a side different."
He said Rahul Dravid would continue to keep wickets, but the team is yet to decide on the final eleven.
"We are waiting for (chairman of the selection committee) Kiran More."
Ganguly said pacer Irfan Pathan, who had to sit out of the last two Tests against Australia due to a side strain, is also completely fit.
He conceded that the failure of the top batsmen in recent matches posed problems for the team.
"It's true that they are not in the best of touches and form," he said.
Tendulkar's return to the side after a nearly three-month lay-off made a big difference to the team, Ganguly said.
"The presence of a player of the capability of Sachin Tednulkar does make a difference to any side in the world."
He also disagreed with the view that unlike the pressure cooker atmosphere generally associated with Indo-Pak ties, tomorrow's match is being held in a relaxed atmosphere in the backdrop of the BCCI's platinum jubilee, and Diwali and Eid festivals.
"The game has not started. So I won't be able to make an assessment. But an Indo-Pak match is always a big event. We will play with the same intensity with which we play all ODIs."
India's captain said the wicket looks good, but did not think that the toss would be a crucial factor.
He admitted that if there is dew, it might play a vital role, but wondered whether there would be any dew at this time of the year.
Ganguly said it is an honour for him to lead the side in the match held to celebrate the Indian board's platinum jubilee.
"It is a significant match for the BCCI as also for Indian cricket. It's a matter of pride and honour for all 15 members of the side to play in such a significant match."
He refused to attach importance to India's record against Pakistan at the Eden Gardens, where the visitors have never lost an ODI or a Test match.
"When we went to Pakistan earlier this year, we had not won there for 50 years," he said.
"Winning in the past does not mean that you will win every time and vice-versa," he quipped.
On whether the rapid switch from Test cricket to one-dayers would make things difficult for the Indian team, Ganguly said, "Yes, this time the switch has been very close. But we cannot do anything about it. We are professionals. We have got to get used to it."
