Then a curly-haired 16-year-old, who made his debut as a lower middle-order batsman and scored 215 runs in six innings, Tendulkar is now widely regarded as the best batsman of this generation.

He is the only player still active from that Pakistan tour of 1989-90 while the Indian team has finally evolved around him into a force to be reckoned with.

Rahul Dravid has hit a good spell, captain Sourav Ganguly's gutsy doggedness has energised the side, Vangipurappu Laxman's silken touch is at its best and leg-spinner Anil Kumble has discovered what it takes to grab wickets overseas.

But none of them know first-hand what an Indian tour of Pakistan entails. They have only heard about the fierce pressure created when a tense away Test series is blended with volatile fans, lurking security fears and strong political overtones.

Tendulkar has been there, has felt it.

He is the man India will rely on, more than ever, to guide them to victory in their historic three-Test series starting on March 10.

UNPLAYABLE YORKER

But the 30-year-old from Bombay will have to exorcise his own demons against Pakistan.

In 1999, the last time the two teams played a Test series, India were chasing 271 for victory in the first Test at Madras. Tendulkar slammed a masterly 136 but his dismissal 17 runs short of the target led to India crumbling to an ignominious defeat.

Two Tests later in Calcutta, he was bowled by Shoaib Akhtar for a first-ball duck with an unplayable yorker that set the tone for another Pakistan victory.

Tendulkar redeemed himself somewhat with a blistering match-winning 98 at the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, including a six over third-man off Akhtar that is regarded as one of the most memorable shots of the tournament.

• World Cup 2003: Complete coverage

But a defining match-winning Test innings still eludes him.

"I have been disappointed with myself...I have to learn to finish Tests," he admitted two years ago.

Tendulkar is conscious of his place in cricket history and would not like to end his career with doubts lingering over his ability to win matches.

For the first time in his career, he has the support cast needed to guide India to an overseas Test series win, which would be their first since they beat Sri Lanka 10 years ago.

They came close in Australia earlier this year, with Tendulkar leading the charge in the final Sydney Test with a career-best 241, but could not put the finishing touches to what would have been a remarkable triumph.

• India's tour of Australia: Complete coverage

RELENTLESS ATTACK

Tendulkar is not alone any more because India have discovered a batting line-up that can match any in the world.

Opener Virender Sehwag is relentless in attack, not only scoring runs quickly but also crushing the morale of the bowling side with his audacity.

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Partner Aakash Chopra was worth his weight in gold in Australia, bravely fending off quick bowlers on pacy wickets even if his series average of 23 was a tad low.

The foursome who follow -- Dravid, Tendulkar, Ganguly and Laxman -- have reached a level of consistency that has forced even their fiercest critics to marvel at them.

But Pakistan have the explosive Akhtar, regarded as the world's fastest bowler and at the peak of his powers now.

India suffer in the bowling department with Kumble and left-arm paceman Zaheer Khan still recovering from injuries. Their batsmen will have to bear the burden.

Once the tensions and pressures of the Pakistan series start taking their toll, all eyes will be on Tendulkar as Indian fans wait with bated breath for him to take control.