We need early breakthrough by Zaheer, Ishant: Dhoni

Having set a target of 382 for the Australians to win the fourth and final Test here, Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said a victory for the home team would hinge on how in-form pace duo of Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma provide the early breakthrough on Monday.

"It's not only about Harbhajan but also about Zaheer and Ishant who have bowled well throughout the series and the sort of start they give us tomorrow morning. We need to get a good start by the pace bowlers," he said.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni said Australia's task, though not impossible, was a formidable one on a fast deteriorating fifth-day track.

"We lost some quick wickets but in the end we were happy with the amount of runs. Our plan from the beginning was to set them a target of around 360 to get in ninety overs," said the swashbuckling wicketkeeper after India recovered from 166 for six at tea to finish with a second innings total of 295.

"Given the fact that we lost six wickets in a heap, chasing four runs per over on a fifth day track is not going to be easy. The ball would also go soft and there would be wear and tear on the wicket. It's quite a difficult (task) but not impossible (to achieve)," he said.

The home team captain, who hit a half-century (55) and put on a century stand with Harbhajan Singh, who made 52, to rescue India from a difficult situation, was full of praise for the batting skills of the feisty off-spinner.

"It was a great effort. Harbhajan has scored consistently against Australia."

Mahendra Singh Dhoni said while planning was important, to execute the plans well was vital and sounded extremely satisfied that his teammates were able to do it.

"You go out there with some sort of plan, but it's about executing those plans," he pointed out.