The Hindu : Ganguly in dire need of runs

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Feb 28, 2002

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Sport - Cricket

Ganguly in dire need of runs

Sourav Ganguly has to play it cool. These are not the best of times for this Bengal cricketer, but he could, with a little bit of common sense wriggle out of this testing situation.

It goes without saying that Ganguly has to make big runs in Test cricket again to earn the respect of his team-mates. Otherwise, his authority is bound to be undermined in the long run.

It is important for the captain to lead by example, an area where Ganguly at present comes up short. To be fair to him, his record as captain is still adequate, but Ganguly needs a sizable knock quite desperately in Delhi, to silence his critics.

At the moment, he appears to be in a confused state of mind - whether to go after the bowling or defend. This is never a good sign.

A batsman has to be certain about his approach, has to have a clear game-plan. Ganguly is not sure about his methods, and this can be seen in his `soft dismissals.'

And Ganguly's habit of reacting to comments and criticism hasn't made things easier for him. He should learn to ignore the unkind remarks and just carry on with his job.

By answering back, Ganguly is only managing to put more pressure on himself. And when he fails again, the cries for his head only get shriller. Instead, Ganguly should stay quiet and let his willow do the talking.

He has to keep his mind calm, and carry the team with him. Captaincy is a huge responsibility and it becomes vital for the skipper to send the right signals to his men.

I remember when I led the Indian team to Pakistan in the 1989-90 season, I had a wretched time with the bat, but the side performed extremely well under difficult conditions, and that was heartening. Yet, it would have better had I contributed more with the bat myself.

One can understand what is going through Ganguly's mind. The away series in the West Indies - even against this weakened team - is bound to be a tough one, and it would greatly help Ganguly's cause if he rediscovers his batting form.

Against a weak Zimbabwe attack on what should be a flat Kotla pitch, and with the cushion of a 1-0 lead in the two- Test series, Ganguly will get a gilt-edged opportunity to compile a much-needed hundred.

Coming to the eleven for the second Test, one hopes V.V.S. Laxman receives another chance. He got only one chance to bat in Nagpur and it is only right that we give this talented batsman a fair run, after having picked him in the squad.

www.krishsrikkanth.com

-By K. SRIKKANTH

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