No need to panic after first loss: Ganguly

Team captain Sourav Ganguly says India have no reason to panic after losing their first game of a triangular tournament by 84 runs to New Zealand.

India restricted New Zealand to 211 from their 50 overs on Friday but folded for 127 in reply on a slow, turning wicket.

"There are still five matches to go for us. The loss last night was disappointing but there's no need to panic," Ganguly told reporters on Saturday.

"The conditions were difficult for the team batting second and we're confident of a turnaround.

"It wasn't one of the best surfaces to play a one-day match on and the toss became vital."

India take on hosts Sri Lanka on Sunday in another day/night game at Colombo's Premadasa Stadium.

"I'll be praying I win the toss tomorrow because there are no secrets, the team that wins it will want to bat first," he said.

Sri Lankan skipper Sanath Jayasuriya did not disagree.

Jayasuriya led his team to victory in the tournament's opening game on Wednesday when he scored 80 in of Sri Lanka's 220 runs and then bowled out New Zealand for 204.

"The pitch is the same for both teams but I hope I win the toss," he said.

BOWLING WELL
"We have been bowling well but our batsman struggled in the first game. We are hoping to set that right tomorrow."

Jayasuriya said he was not underestimating India, despite their opponents being without top batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who is out with a fracture in his right foot.

"Yesterday was just one bad day for India," he said. "They have been playing well ever since beating Australia earlier this year. We can't afford to take them lightly."

Jayasuriya said his team would especially watch out for off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, nicknamed 'turbanator' because he wears a traditional Sikh turban.

Singh picked up two wickets for 25 runs from his 10 overs on Friday. "He is a very dangerous guy. We'll have to handle him with care," Jayasuriya said.

India are not planning many changes in their team, although coach John Wright said they may switch the batting order around.

Left-hander Yuvraj Singh filled Tendulkar's opening slot of Friday but scored only six runs.

"We have to think about our opening options. Our batting line-up has to be more flexible since Sachin is not there. Amay Khurasiya could still come in to open," Wright said.

Khurasiya, 29, is a hard-hitting batsman who is making his return to the India side after almost two years.

India have already ruled out fast bowlers Debasish Mohanty and Ajit Agarkar, who suffered sunstroke, for Sunday's match.

The tournament's final will be played on August 5.

Mail Cricket Editor