Date:19/02/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/02/19/stories/2004021901841800.htm

Sport - Cricket

`BCCI chief should have taken Ganguly into confidence'

By Our Special Correspondent

MUMBAI, FEB. 18. The manager of the Indian team in Pakistan in 1984, Raj Singh Dungarpur, said that the BCCI President should have taken Sourav Ganguly into confidence.

"Both live in Kolkata. After a gruelling tour of Australia, the Indian team has returned jaded and disappointed. People are aware of the huge emotions that exist when India beats Pakistan and vice versa. Quite distinctly in my opinion, this team has the potential to defeat Pakistan in Pakistan, but not in the frame of mind they are today. They are tired, they had a very bad last part of Australia where they played some fantastic cricket.''

In spite of the demanding tour of Australia, Raj Singh feels that the players have the wherewithal to perform. "Once the players put their foot on the tarmac of Lahore airport, the magic will start working. I have never been to Peshawar and we did not play at Karachi in `84 because Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated and we came back. But I think the Indians will be prepared to face the likes of Shoaib Akhtar.

"If I know these boys whom I hold in high esteem, they will mean business once they land on Pakistan soil. I would like to see how the Pakistan bowlers bowl to the likes of Sehwag, Chopra, Rahul, Sachin, Sourav and Laxman".

With the Government of India clearing the tour Raj Singh is confident that a full strength team will travel to Pakistan. "When Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has asked them to go, everybody would go. One cannot go on taking it back because it will be hot in May. The young players are fit because of the back up support. It's a well-knit team and ably led and fully supported by the big boys. But I think they are not in the right frame of mind. Communication is the essence of life. How could they send three persons, all able administrators, without a players' representative. Nawab of Pataudi should have been sent. The BCCI doesn't want to recognise the players' association. It's worse than not having a CEO.''