I was expecting them to go for Sourav's experience: Inzamam

Inzamam-ul-Haq, the Pakistan captain, citing Sourav Ganguly as an "experienced campaigner" against his team, said that he was expecting Indian selectors to bring his former rival back into the squad for the bilateral series beginning next month.

"Sourav is a very experienced campaigner and he led them to Pakistan last year in a successful series. I think they are counting on him to deliver in Pakistani conditions," Inzamam said. "Sourav is one of those players who has a lot of experience of playing against us and has also captained them a lot. I think they preferred him over Mohammad Kaif for this reason because conditions in both countries are basically very similar. In that context, I was expecting them to go for Sourav's experience."

Ganguly, who led India to a historic series win against Pakistan last year, has scored 5,150 runs in 86 Tests besides being the most-capped captain for his country. Inzamam said that since there was a lot of pressure in India-Pakistan matches - and players with familiarity of playing against Pakistan usually did well - the 16-member Indian Test squad announced yesterday appeared a well-balanced, experienced and strong line-up.

"I think the Indian selectors have shown by recalling Sourav Ganguly, including Parthiv Patel as the reserve keeper, and Zaheer Khan that they are banking on experience and those players who have already played in Pakistani conditions," Inzamam was quoted as saying by The News.

India will play three Test matches and five one-dayers during their 46-day tour of Pakistan.