The national selectors on Sunday named four spinners in a 14-man squad for the Test, knowing Australia will find it hard to retaliate in the absence of their lethal leg-spinner Shane Warne.
At least three of the four -- vice-captain Anil Kumble, leftarmer Sunil Joshi, leg-spinner Narendra Hirwani and off-spinner Ashish Kapoor -- are certain to play, chief selector Ramakant Desai said.
With seamers Javagal Srinath and Venkatesh Prasad completing a five-man bowling attack, wicket-keeper Nayan Mongia has been drafted to open the batting with Vikram Rathore.
``We are going for a win,'' said skipper Sachin Tendulkar, leading India for the first time in a Test after two limited-overs series in Sri Lanka and Canada since his appointment in August.
The 23-year-old, who opens in one-day internationals, will assume his customary number-four place, behind Saurav Ganguly and ahead of former captain Mohammad Azharuddin.
The selectors are hoping the Kotla ground staff, known for preparing brilliant batting wickets in the past, will provide a result-oriented strip which will assist turn by the third day.
Desai laughed off suggestions that Warne's absence from the tour because of the slow recovery of his injured spinning finger, encouraged the home team to gamble with spin.
``I think we would not have changed our strategy even if Warne was there,'' Desai, a former fast bowler, said.
``Spin has been our main weapon in home matches, and it's no different this time. We are looking for a result, and that's why five bowlers are a must.''
There was no place in the team for the experienced trio of Sanjay Manjrekar, Ajay Jadeja and Vinod Kambli, although Desai revealed that Manjrekar was willing to open the batting.
The only uncapped players in the side are 24-year-old batsman Venkat Laxman from Hyderabad and Karnataka fast bowler David Johnson.
Laxman, rated highly by Azharuddin, forced his way into the national squad with big scores in the last domestic season. Johnson toured Sri Lanka and Canada in August and September without get- ting a chance to play.
Indian 14:
Sachin Tendulkar (capt), Vikram Rathore, Nayan Mongia, Saurav Ganguly, Mohammad Azharuddin, Rahul Dravid, Venkat Laxman, Anil Kumble, Sunil Joshi, Narendra Hirwani, Ashish Kapoor, Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad, David Johnson.
Coach: Madan Lal