'The Pakistan team has to be united'

He stood like a wall behind the wickets. The ball, whether it was from the fast bowlers or spinners, never seemed to get past him.

Moin Khan, who played 69 Tests and 219 One-Day Internationals for Pakistan, is remembered not only for his wicketkeeping skills, but also his gritty batting.

He made his debut in November 1990, against the West Indies, as a 19 year old and then figured in the 1992 World Cup-winning squad. He also played in the 1999 World Cup, where Pakistan finished runners-up.

But in spite of being one of the best wicket-keepers of his time, Moin had to constantly contest the spot in the Pakistan team with Rashid Latif.

Against India he played four Tests, scoring 180 runs at 22.50, with two half-centuries. Both the half-centuries came when Pakistan were in trouble, and on both occasions the Pakistan team emerged triumphant.

The 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman spoke to Sports Correspondent Harish Kotian about his disappointment at not being selected for the Test series against India and about Pakistan's chances.

You were part of the Pakistan team that did well in India in 1999. What was the experience of playing in India like?

It is always a very good experience playing against India, because both of us are old arch-rivals. We really enjoy playing against each other. It is a totally different pressure game whenever we play.

How was the team welcomed when it toured India in 1999? Was there a feeling of hatred or did people shower you with love?

Wherever we went in India in 1999 everybody welcomed us very well. I can never forget the Chennai crowd, which was so appreciative and sporting. Even though we beat India they applauded us and gave us a standing ovation. The crowd was very warm and friendly.

How disappointing is it to miss out on this tour?

It is disappointing. I felt I could come back into the team as I was performing well in domestic cricket. I was feeling very fit. I am hoping I can get back into the team for the one-day series.

I am playing domestic cricket and performing very well. I have scored around 550 runs now in eight matches. I am fit too, so I am ready for the one-dayers.

Don't you think you should have been selected, since you have the experience of playing in India and always perform under pressure?

It all depends on the selectors. What I can do is go out there and play, whether it is for the Pakistan team or in domestic cricket. I just have to go out there and perform to the best of my abilities.

Is it sensible for Pakistan to go into such a vital tour with just one wicket-keeper?

When we visited India in 1999 I was the only wicket-keeper in the squad. Maybe, this time also, the selectors think only one wicket-keeper is enough.

Your views on Kamran Akmal, who has taken over your job in the Pakistan team.

He is a very good wicket-keeper-batsman, but he will need some time to settle down in the team.

You have seen him in Australia, in January, where he performed in one innings (47 in the first innings of the third Test) but then didn't perform at all in the rest of the matches in the Test series.

It is not easy in international cricket. You need to have patience. It comes with experience. One has to keep performing.

It will take some more time for him to settle down. It is not easy; especially on this tour it is going to be a big challenge for him.

How big is it to lose Shoaib Akhtar for such a vital series?

It is a big, big loss for the Pakistan team, because he was the most experienced bowler in the attack.

Definitely, the team will miss him; the people who love him will also miss him.

Does Shoaib's absence give India the advantage, since the other bowlers are also coming back from injury?

It will give India the advantage, since Shoaib is an attacking bowler and is feared by batsmen all over the world.

The Indian batsmen will feel a bit easy now knowing that Shoaib is not playing in the Test matches.

Pakistan has beaten India in the last four one-dayers the teams played. Does it give Pakistan a psychological advantage for the Test series?

Yes, the pressure will be on India this time. It will not be an easy series for the Indian team.

The Pakistan team has to be united. They have plenty of young players in the side; the main thing will be the unity in the team. If they play united, as a team, then they will perform well.

What is your prediction for the three-Test series?

I can say India have a good chance to win the series, because they have plenty of experienced players in their side. I also feel if Pakistan plays to their potential it will be very difficult to beat them.

It will be a very exciting series.