 Shoaib's return not a concern: Uthappa
31st Oct 2007 19:04 IST
Agencies
Shoaib Akhtar's intimidating comeback may be seen as a major threat to India's chances against Pakistan in the upcoming ODI series but hard-hitting batsman Robin Uthappa feels the mercurial pacer's return is hardly a concern for the hosts.
"I don't think we need to prepare specially for Shoaib. He is their frontline bowler but that's about it. I am not too worried about him. We just need to play our natural game," Uthappa said on the sidelines of a felicitation function for the Twenty20 World Cup winning Indian team held at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Shoaib took four wickets on his return to international cricket after being suspended for his brawl with fellow pacer Mohammad Asif before the Twenty20 World Cup.
The speedster has been included in the team for next week's five-match ODI series against India as well but Uthappa said he would be his usual attacking self against Shoaib.
"I try to play my natural game against all the bowlers and he is no different. Seriously, I am not too concerned about his return," he said.
On the series as a whole, Uthappa said the only difference between playing against Pakistan and playing against any other team is the amount of pressure on the players.
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