The absence of match-winning leg spinner Anil Kumble would "affect a lot" the performance of the Indian team in their home series against Australia, the coach of the Indian team, John Wright, said in Bangalore on Tuesday.

Asked how far Kumble's absence would affect the team's performance, Wright said "They (Australians) are obviously in good form. India has a great record (against the Australians) but in the present day they will be a formidable opposition," he felt. "Catching will be critical," Wright said. "We have to work and fight very hard. It depends on how well we take catches," the former New Zealand captain said.

Wright was speaking informally to mediapersons after the launch of e-CricketPro, a software tool developed by Phoenix Global Solutions in Bangalore.

BCCI secretary Jaywant Lele rated India's chances against the Australians as very bright. "We should do well. On Indian wickets, I don't think we should panic at all," he said.

© PTI