'It's time to think about the cricket' - Dravid

At the unveiling of the Samsung Cup trophy for the India-Pakistan series, Rahul Dravid had a few things to say about strategy, pressure and, yet again, keeping wicket in one-dayers. The following quotes are from reports that appeared in AFP, The Indian Express, The Times of India, and The Asian Age.

On security and pressures: I think enough has been said and done about the security bit, it's now time to think about the cricket. Honestly, people tend to exaggerate the pressures. They imagine that cricketers get affected [by everything], but they don't. We are excited as most of us will be touring Pakistan for the first time. This is the only time I've seen players as eager for play to start as the fans. It should be a great experience.

About strategy and staying focussed: I am just watching a lot of video clips and practicing hard. It is very difficult to recreate conditions like those in Pakistan. So you just have to practice as you normally would and hope to adapt to the conditions quickly. The fact that we played some good, intense cricket in Australia will work to our advantage in Pakistan. We want to take the intensity on to the Pakistan series.

Keeping in one-dayers: It's becoming too boring to answer. What I feel doesn't matter. It all depends on the team's strategy. I'll do what the team management, coach, [and the] captain want. This tour will be a good opportunity for a young keeper like Parthiv to perform and establish himself in the team.

The pitches in Pakistan: One or two pitches may have some bounce and pace and sting. Not all wickets in Pakistan are slow. In the series against South Africa last year, one saw a couple of tracks in Pakistan that had more bounce and pace than the others. Anyway, as international cricketers, we are expected to adapt and adjust to the situations and conditions.

About the battle between Pakistan's bowlers and the Indian batsmen: It's wrong to project the series in this way. It would be a contest between two teams and two units. It will be a test of skill and nerves for both teams. Neither India nor Pakistan will want to take it easy, and that should provide some engrossing cricket all through. Pakistan definitely have a more experienced bowling attack. But then, batting is our strength. We have a strong batting line-up and if we can put up a big score in the one-dayers there is no reason why we cannot win the series. Actually I am quite pleased the one-dayers are being played first because this will give our bowlers time to be ready for the Tests.

On choking: The chokers tag is an exaggeration. Honestly, I don't care what people say. We played a tough, competitive series [in Australia] and will continue to give our best.