Stand-in skipper Virender Sehwag on Tuesday said former captain Sourav Ganguly was a forgotten chapter for Team India.
When asked at a press conference whether the team should move away from the controversy surrounding the former captain's axing, Sehwag said, "We have already forgotten that and the team is looking forward. It is past and we want to look ahead of us. We are concentrating on tomorrow's match."
On whether Sourav should be drafted back into the squad, Sehwag was diplomatic in his reply: "That is for the selectors to decide. I cannot comment on that. This a young side and we are going in the right direction in our preparations for World Cup 2007. The side is gelling well and we hope to find the right combination."
Ganguly's last appearance on this Keenan ground in Jamshedpur was on April 9 against Pakistan in 2005 when he was fined 70 per cent of his match fees for slow over rate. India lost the match. It was also considered the beginning of Ganguly's end.
Meanwhile, continuing with the policy of experimentation, Sehwag indicated that Robin Uthappa could make his debut and Mahendra Singh Dhoni could bat up the order in the sixth ODI against England on Wednesday.
Sehwag said, "We plan to give youngsters a chance. It is with the team's policy of experimentation. Robin Uthappa could open with me and Dhoni could be batting up the order. Dhoni is a real sensation and he has not got much chance to bat. This being his home ground, we hope to promote him up the order."
However, he made it clear that the team would be looking to continue its winning ways and sweep the series. "Winning is a very important habit and we do not want to lose that. The team is motivated to win the next two games as the game at Guwahati was a washout," he said.
On whether he would come down the playing order, the stand-in captain said such a move could expose top order. Instead, he would like to lead from the front.
Commenting on the pitch, he said, "It is a flat track with good even bounce. The batsmen will enjoy and there will be something for the bowlers as well."
Asked about the team composition, he said the final eleven will be decided later in the evening. "We have a team of 13 in our mind," he said.
On his captaincy and performance, he said, "I have to perform irrespective of my captaincy. Captaincy will not be a burden. I enjoy challenges and captaincy is a pleasant challenge."
Sehwag has been named captain for the fifth and sixth ODI after Rahul Dravid was given a much-deserved rest. However, his batting has been a concern over the last few games as he has not been able to capitalize on good starts. Admitting that he was going through a lean patch, he said, "I am aware of it. It is just a matter of one innings. In Faisalabad and Kochi, I started off well but faltered midway. I will have to convert my starts."
Asked if Mohammed Kaif's form was a concern, he said, "Just because he has performed badly in the last few games does not mean we start questioning his position in the team. We all know he is a good player and an asset on the field. I am sure he will be back at his best soon."
On whether the sweltering heat had affected the English team's performance, Sehwag said, "Heat cannot be an excuse. Then we can start talking about Durham."
On whether they were playing a weaker English side, he said, "It is an international side and no one can say that. All who play for the country are considered good. Even we do not have Sachin Tendulkar. We are missing him. But the boys have come to the party. They are motivated to perform."
