If controversial Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar hopes to redeem his image on the current Indian tour, he will first have to conquer Sachin Tendulkar.

Chucking allegations, a drug-ban, indiscipline and injuries have dogged the mercurial paceman ever since his international debut in 1997. But when he is battle-ready, he can make life miserable for batsmen.

Akhtar’s duels with Tendulkar have caught the fancy of fans on both sides of the border ever since his first-ball dismissal of the master batsman in a Test match in Kolkata in 1999.

Their duel was the talking point during the 2003 World Cup in South Africa. Tendulkar won that battle with a bold 98 off 75 balls to set up his team’s victory at Centurion.

Big 3 versus Pakistan

Tendulkar later described the innings as one of the highlights of his record-breaking One-day career.

But Akhtar has not always been a punchbag for the Indians. His 34 wickets in 23 One-dayers against the arch-rivals mean he remains a constant threat. He has also grabbed 19 wickets in seven Tests against India.