Ganguly calls for performance under pressure
Sourav Ganguly, who was on Thursday retained captain of the Indian cricket team, said the
return of some key players will strengthen the side.
Participating in a quiz programme in Calcutta, he expressed confidence that the team would do well on the
forthcoming tour of South Africa following the expected return
of several key players who missed the Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka
tours due to injuries.
"Its good to have all the players back for the Test
matches, but if we want to be the best side we have to work on
all aspects of the game," Ganguly said.
Ganguly will attend the selection committee meeting in
Bombay to pick the 15-member team for the tour,
beginning on September 24.
Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, V V S Laxman, Javagal
Srinath and Ashish Nehra, who missed the recent Lankan tour
due to injuries, are expected to return to the team.
Stressing the need for players to raise their level of
performance when under pressure, Ganguly said: "The most important thing is to do well in crunch situations, when it
matters most; like the final. We have played and lost too many
finals. That's the difference between a good side and a great
side."
He said the team needs to work on certain aspects of the
game, like fielding and running between wickets, to bring about desired results.
Referring to India's failure to win in the final in recent tournaments, Ganguly said: "I don't think we are right
up there (among the best). We are a good side but have to work
hard."
On his own poor batting form, the elegant left hander
sounded a little philosophical, saying there is something to be
learnt at every stage of life and it is just a question of
one moment which can change everything.
"I have gone through several experiences in my life and
seen great sportsmen around. They never give up. You may be
fighting for a place in the side, you may be down in the
dumps. One evening you play a great match that will change
everything. That is why you should never give up."
Striking a personal note, Ganguly, responding to a
question on his imminent fatherhood, expressed preference
for a baby girl.
"Given a choice, I would like to have a daughter," Ganguly
said, amidst thunderous cheers from the audience comprising
mainly school children.
Mail Cricket Editor
