Sourav Ganguly

Calcutta: Two superb back-to-back performances from captain Sourav Ganguly helped arrest the Kolkata Knight Riders’ slide earlier in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Two defeats in a row, though, have put all the pressure back on the team. And, of course, on Sourav himself.

With the heat well and truly on, Sourav wasn’t inclined to have a full-fledged one-on-one in the lead-up to Tuesday’s clash with the Shane Warne-captained Rajasthan Royals. He did, however, take a few questions from The Telegraph — continuing from where he’d left off in Mumbai last week.

The following are excerpts

The Knight Riders being in an unenviable situation

Yes, we’re in a corner… We need to win all the remaining matches… It’s a tough position to be in but teams do end up in such situations… Our character is now on test… The world of sport throws up challenges such as the one now faced by the Knight Riders.

On moving up and down the standings

One likes consistency but this is bound to happen in a competition of this nature.

Experience of captaining in a Twenty20 tournament

It has been quite an experience, really, with the competitiveness and the want to win… Plus, the team has had highs and lows… The ultimate, of course, is captaining your country when you’ve got to try and win session after session.

Time it took to settle down as captain

I must confess I was nervous in the first couple of matches… Remember, my only real previous exposure to Twenty20, and limited at that, was during my short County stints in 2005 (Glamorgan) and 2006 (Northants)… I had to learn, get used to setting the appropriate fields… Took me two-three matches… I’d thought I was through with captaincy in 2005 (when Rahul Dravid replaced him at the helm of Team India)… Thought I was done and dusted with the captaincy… In the IPL, I’ve had to start all over again… Was back to doing things, as captain, on my own…

Captaining in Twenty20 as opposed to other forms

You’ve got to think one step ahead all the time… The pace is such that you can’t take even a breather… Field positioning is critical as is the approach while batting. (After a pause) In some ways, Twenty20 has advantages… For example, bowlers remain fresh and the batsmen can give it their all because it’s such a condensed game… The momentum has to be maintained for a short span only.

The supremely passionate manner in which he led during the home match against the Delhi DareDevils, also Shoaib Akhtar’s comeback game

One is always passionate… Always involved… That was a do-or-die match in the sense that victory would’ve placed us strongly in the push for a last-four berth… It was Shoaib’s decision to bowl that third over, when he got two wickets to tally an amazing four… I’d wanted to hold him back, but he’d been very keen.

Having been the one to pitch the strongest for Shoaib at the February 20 auction

(Grins) Yes… There was some resistance from some in the franchise, quite natural because of what had been going on between him and the Pakistan Cricket Board, but I knew most teams would find it very tough to handle his four overs… I mean, even if he heads straight to the ground after waking up, he can still bowl at 90 mph… That’s a telling speed… Having played for well over a decade at the highest level I know that genuine pace makes a difference.

His first interaction, as captain, with Shoaib

Told him that I had faith in him… That it was an important competition for him as the world would be watching him…

Handling players of different nationalities

They’ve been professionals… Haven’t had a problem.

Relationship with coach John Buchanan

It has been enjoyable… I’ve begun to understand him and he has begun to understand me… We listen to each other and do what’s best for the team… Each coach has his way of functioning… John’s probably more patient… Is certainly quieter.

Many seeing the IPL as a good platform to get noticed

It’s a platform, yes, but the skills required even for a 50-over game are very different… It’s altogether more different in Test cricket… It’s good when players get noticed, but the (India) selection for Tests and ODIs should be on the basis of one’s performance in those two forms only. Things shouldn’t be confused.

On owner Shah Rukh Khan

(Smiles) He’s the bigger star… He’s been great… (Co-owners) Jay and Juhi Mehta too… I understand Juhi goes to the Kali temple before every match and, so, I’m not the only one to visit temples!

Whether he’s learnt something from Shah Rukh

Can’t say I’ve learnt, but I envy his lifestyle… Envy the way he manages his time.

Finally, whether Warne’s presence will add needle to Tuesday’s face-off against the Royals

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