Despite the repeated below-par performances of the formidable batting line-up, Indian captain Sourav Ganguly Friday said his batsmen were under no pressure but admitted they needed to shed their "conservative approach" against Australia in the crucial World Cup Pool A match Saturday.
"We were a little more conservative in our approach against Holland. We are much more positive players and we have to stick to our game," said Ganguly as India prepare to take on the Aussies putting behind the mediocre batting performance against minnows Holland on Wednesday.
India batted with extreme care against Holland and were bowled out for 204 inside 50 overs, although the total proved to be enough for their lowly opponents who were dismissed for 136 to lose by 68 runs.
"I think we are far more positive players than we showed against Holland. There were not many runs in New Zealand which made the confidence a bit low. But we still need to go out and play our game," Ganguly said.
He said it was good for the side to face a tough team like Australia so early in the competition and added the reputation of their rivals would not put additional pressure on the batsmen.
"It's good we are playing Australia in the early part of the competition. Our batsmen need to fire, that goes without saying. But there is no pressure on our batting.
"We have just played one game in this competition and I am pretty sure, given the kind of tournament this World Cup is developing, we would strike."
Ganguly said the batsmen should put behind their disappointment of New Zealand tour and look forward to emerge successful here.
"As a batsman, you could either think of the previous tour or you think of the tour ahead. The wickets here are much firmer and better and I expect the batters to do well," he said.
Confirming there would not be any changes in the batting line-up that played against Holland, the Indian captain said he would be opening the innings alongwith Sachin Tendulkar in Saturday's match.
"We are going with the same 12 . We can't accommodate Sanjay Bangar. Whatever opportunity he has got, we need him to deliver a bit more either with the bat or with the ball - unfortunately he hasn't."
He admitted that feelings could run high Saturday given the competitive nature of the game as there would be pressure on his side to do well.
"There would be pressure on us, it's a key game. It could lead to certain things happening on the field at the heat of the moment. We would find that out at the end of the game."
The Indian captain was not worried about criticism his batsmen cannot handle pace and could find themselves in trouble against a quality Australian bowling attack.
"They talk about Indians not playing well. We hold the same opinion about Australians not playing spin very well.
"It's going to be one of our strengths. We have got two world class spinners and if it starts turning, it would be a keen contest."
Ganguly looked at left-arm unorthodox bowler Brad Hogg's inclusion in the Australian side with interest and said his batsmen would play him on merit.
"He is obviously not in the same class as (Shane) Warne. He is new to international cricket. We Indians have played spin well over the years."
The skipper termed the wicket for Saturday's game as a good one and felt it would help the batsmen all through.
"It looks a good batting wicket, it is bare, it's hard. I didn't see a lot of cracks in it. So it's a good batting wicket."
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