|
Ganguly awaits Pak tour squad verdict
NEW DELHI—Indian cricket selectors will decide on Saturday whether to
recall former captain Saurav Ganguly for the tour of Pakistan.
The 33-year-old batsman was axed nine days ago after contributing 40 and
39 in the second test victory over Sri Lanka in New Delhi.
That decision sparked a national outcry over the treatment meted out to
India’s most successful test captain who was sacked in October due to a
prolonged batting slump, poor fitness and a row with Coach Greg
Chappell.
Public demonstrations were held in Ganguly’s hometown Kolkata and the
issue figured in the parliament, overshadowing India’s crushing 259-run
victory in the final test on Thursday to wrap up the three-test series
2-0.
Chief selector Kiran More had said the claims of talented left-handed
batsman Yuvraj Singh could no longer be ignored and it would be unfair
to select Ganguly and then not play him.
The 24-year-old Yuvraj struck 77 not out and 75 in the last two tests
with Vangipurappu Laxman stroking 104, all but ending Ganguly’s hopes of
rejoining Sachin Tendulkar and captain Rahul Dravid in the middle-order.
However, Ganguly met new Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
president Sharad Pawar, a powerful federal minister, two days ago to
trigger speculation he would be recalled and allowed to make an
honourable exit.
Ganguly himself has vowed to fight to reclaim his place. Although his
test omission was widely slammed as ill-timed and as an insult to a
player who led the country to 21 test victories, many wonder how Ganguly
can be accommodated in a settled side.
“Where is the place in the middle-order?” former chief selector Chandu
Borde told Reuters on Friday. “It is very difficult for him to get it.
“If the Pakistan wickets are going to help fast bowlers, then they might
look to take an extra seamer,” he said.
“Although Saurav is experienced, it will be a headache for the
selectors”. Ganguly received some encouragement from Tendulkar. “There
is still cricket left in him. I know him very well, he can still play,”
the Mid Day daily quoted Tendulkar as saying.—Agencies |
