Tendulkar set to shine

Despite an indifferent record against Pakistan, Tendulkar is still the man to watch © Getty Images

There is not a lot that hasn't already been said about Sachin Tendulkar but the maestro is sure to play a signifcant role in the series for India. Having broken the Test record for centuries with his 36th - and overtaken countryman Sunil Gavaskar in the process - the pressure is off and Tendulkar looks ready for a big series.

When India won in Pakistan last time round, in 2004, Tendulkar's efforts were overshadowed by massive innings from Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid, but he still managed a 194 and averaged 68. Surprisingly, though, his overall average against Pakistan is not that impressive. While 39.54 is not that bad, it is not a patch on his overall average of 56.71, which is outstanding. Injuries have blighted his efforts in the past couple of years but having had eight months off in 2005, he appears fresh and ready to do what he does best again - make big scores. In his past 20 matches, he has still managed to average 55. Unlike many players, his average away from home is just as good as at home, and no one is better used to dealing with pressure than Tendulkar, who is a national hero in India.

Pakistan will be hopeful that they can limit his scoring in the three-Test series, and the choice of venues could help them in their task. In Lahore, venue for the first Test, he averages just 17 in two Tests, in Faisalabad it's just 33 and in Karachi, where the series could be decided, it is just 15. That said, many of those matches were so long ago that their significance is greatly reduced, and who's to say Sachin won't hit top form this time round. He looked good in making 74 in India's opening match of the tour and he does not lack confidence.

Tendulkar, is of course, favourite to be his side's top scorer in the series, at 3/1 (4.00) with bet365, and, despite the strength of the Indian batting line-up, it would take a brave man to back against him.