Friday, Feb 07, 2003
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Cricket
By Vijay Lokapally
VIEW FROM THE TOP: Sourav Ganguly looks out of his hotel window in Durban, enjoying the view of the Indian Ocean. Ganguly, who has distinguished himself as a successful captain, will reach his pinnacle should he bring home the Cup. — Photo: V.V. Krishnan
Sourav Ganguly has embarked on a demanding assignment, leading India on a hot campaign that is expected to carry the team to a distinguished peak scaled earlier in 1983 by Kapil Dev's team. This team is as daring, as adventurous, and the key man to the success of the team — Ganguly — is just waiting to make a place in history. He is the most hated person, as he once said. He is also the most loved one, as many of his mates assert. Well, Ganguly is the cynosure of all eyes. He has to set an example and he promises he would. Ganguly has taken charge completely, commanding total respect of the team. At times he has been ruthless. "I've made the players realise the importance of playing as a team. I've made them realise their roles better. They need to adapt to various situations. I've made it clear to the batsmen that I don't need a century but a match winning effort. For me, a sensational 30 or 40 that wins the match would be better than a century. The point is that they must play according to the situation. The players are well prepared. They can handle pressure better because essentially they are very good. I like them because they play freely.'' As he spent time with The Hindu, Ganguly reflected on the preparations of the team and expressed frank opinions on some of the aspects that he has experienced in the recent past.
Healthy competition
He began by pointing out the rich competition in the team. "The competition is keen and I'm sure you'll agree that it is good for the team to have a competition for places. I like it when the boys have to fight for their places.'' Was he pleased with the squad and the run-up to the tournament? "I would have loved to have had Laxman in the team. But unfortunately it has not happened. I'm happy with the team. Barring New Zealand, this very team has had an outstanding year. New Zealand was a bad dream. Toss was crucial in all the matches but I'll make no excuses. We should've applied ourselves better.'' And then one confronted him with this unending experiment with the batting order. Was it necessary to be so flexible just for the sake of it? Ganguly was forthcoming, "I know there've been a few changes but not at the cost of any individual. We are looking at various options. Sachin can bat at number three or four. In England, we played with seven batsmen and we wanted an experienced man at number four or five. Sachin fills that slot so well because Sehwag and I have to open, with maybe Dinesh (Mongia) at three if need be. This is my third tour to South Africa and I know the conditions will be good for batsmen. The pitches will help our batsmen play their shots.'' In Ganguly's opinion, the key man could well be Sanjay Bangar. "If you ask me he's the key. He becomes an extra seamer and strengthens the batting too. Ideally I would want him in the eleven. I can even push him in the order because he's an innovative batsman. He's an effective bowler too. He'll be my first choice because of his tremendous utility. His presence gives us scope for more options.'' Continuing on the possible line of action at the World Cup, the India skipper said, "We're not averse to playing two spinners. Obviously that decision will be taken only after seeing the pitch.'' Talking of bowlers, Ganguly placed lot of faith in Javagal Srinath. "He's a great bowler. We missed him during the Test series in New Zealand but he'll have a huge role to play here. He's a senior member of the side and I know is very keen to contribute. With his experience, I know Srinath will be our key bowler.''
Pat for Dravid
The skipper also lauded the selfless Rahul Dravid for being the most accommodating. "Rahul keeping wickets has been a gamble to add strength to the batting. He may have had a few bad games but overall he's done a splendid job. He's my backing and honestly I wouldn't like to see a situation where we may need to play Parthiv (Patel).'' It would be Ganguly's second World Cup. As a batsman, he had excelled during the last edition in England but it is the current tournament that engages his attention. ``I've far more responsibilities than in 1999. As a team, I think we've matured. We're a much stronger team than in 1999. Rahul (Dravid) and I are better players than we were in 1999. And then the team has some immensely talented players like Sehwag, Yuvraj, Kaif. They are exceptional players. The bowling looks better now, more balanced and more penetrative. "What, in his view, was his most significant contribution as a captain? "I take pride in saying that I've ensured we play as a unit. It's not just my responsibility. It's the responsibility of the other senior members in the team too. The players understand it's important to stay together to achieve success. I've been lucky to be the captain of a team where the seniors share responsibilities. We all know that winning is important and not individual distinctions. We've come through difficult phases in the past and we shall in the future.'' Looking ahead, Ganguly admitted, "the World Cup means a lot to us all. To the cricketers, to the nation. Everyone in India expects us to win and we'll try our best. Many people have been saying lots of things — good and bad. All I want to tell my countrymen is that we'll give our best. We in the team want you all to pray for us.'' Ganguly has grown as a cricketer, and now is firmly established as the captain. One distinguished step — a Cup win here — could transform him into a leader. He has the potential to be one. He promises to temper his needless aggression and with the backing of the team, dreams of returning home with the Cup. The mobile phone rings again, from home he quips, and we take leave of Ganguly even as he presses the green button this time.
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