Calcutta: Sourav Ganguly’s inclusion will mean that the former India captain will have to shoulder a lot of responsibility in the Test series against South Africa. It will also mean baptism by fire.
The Telegraph spoke to some of the city’s leading sportspersons on his comeback. The following are excerpts (alphabetically) from what they felt about his chances and challenges in South Africa:
SAMBARAN BANERJEE: This comeback will be a huge challenge for Sourav. With the Indian team in a disjointed state in South Africa, tough times lie ahead of him. The most important aspect will be if he is going to be accepted sportingly in the dressing room. His fitness level is good considering he has been in the thick of action in domestic cricket.
One or two big scores will put him back on the right path. His past experience on South African wickets will also put him in good stead. This tour will be his last lifeline.
Jagmohan Dalmiya: The right step in the right direction. I'm happy both for Sourav as well as for the Indian team. At last better sense has prevailed (in the BCCI). I hope there will now be a turnaround in the team's fortune. The players' confidence at the moment is at a low ebb. I am confident they will pick up with the inclusion of a couple of experienced players.
ASHOK MALHOTRA: India needed some experienced player in the middle-order and I’m sure Sourav will be able to do justice. I would have been happier had he been picked for the one-dayers as well since his record is the best in South Africa. Still, it’s never too late. He has been given the tough route to the World cup. It will not be easy but the way he is determined I am sure he will be successful.
His mental toughness will come to the fore now. He has fought his way back and not run away. This is his biggest virtue. He has been roughing it out in domestic cricket for almost a year now. When others would have chosen to bid goodbye, he took the hard route. Remember, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going and luck always favours the brave. I am sure his attitude, body language and will to excel will pull him through.
Syed Nayeemuddin: Sourav's return is a great news for Indian cricket. I hope with his presence, India will go back to their winnings ways in South Africa and the upcoming Test series will be a different scenario altogether. He has been a great leader. And so, both as a leader as well as an experienced campaigner, he can help in all departments of the game.
PRANAB ROY: Good news, but at the same time he must remember that he has to perform. The team is not doing well and the seniors have to take responsibilities now. Everybody will be under pressure, but with the experience he has, Sourav should be able to handle it well.
The positive thing is that the side won’t be short of quality and experienced players for the Test series. You can expect good performance from the boys. If Rahul is fit, then we can have the best combination in place.
Sourav will need at least 10 days to get used to the conditions, and once he gets used to the bounce of the wickets, it won’t be much of a problem for him. Apart from Pollock, there is no one in this South African side who can swing the ball.
