Turmoil can bring SA closer : Ganguly

Kolkata, January 28, 2010

Despite the turmoil in their cricket establishment back home, write South Africa off at your own peril, warned Sourav Ganguly. Having been there, done that, the former India skipper knows a thing or two about how international cricketers handle pressure and, according to him, this unrest might just help the Proteas come together.

“These incidents can sometimes help the players come together and make them more determined to perform as a team,” Ganguly told Hindustan Times. “The players back each other and, all of a sudden, the team spirit can become much stronger. And as professional players, I don’t think they will let such things affect performance.”

Ganguly though said India start the two-Test series as favourites even though Rahul Dravid has been ruled out, because V.V.S. Laxman has recovered from his hand injury sustained in Bangladesh. “My money will still be on India.”

Ganguly, however, sounded little apprehensive about the Indian middle order. “We have to rely on the likes of (Murali) Vijay and S. Badrinath.. but, yes batting is a worry.”

The winner of many a bitter battle, Ganguly said irrespective of the shape India’s batting finally takes, they will be up against a tough attack.

“(Dale) Steyn and (Morne) Morkel are dangerous bowlers. Steyn is outstanding, with good pace, and can reverse-swing the ball. Morkel bowls from a good height, at good pace and can extract bounce.

“They can be a handful against any batting side and both have the experience of playing in India.”

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I will remember Basu for 2 reasons: Sourav Ganguly

Date : 1/24/10

Former Indian Skipper Sourav Ganguly has said that he will always remember the former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyothi Basu for two reasons.

Sourav said he will remember his presence during their wedding and the moment he congratulated him after scoring back to back hundreds against England during his debut.

"I will always remember him for two things. He had come to my wedding and congratulated Dona and me and also congratulated me after my debut Test series against England where I scored two centuries"—he said.

"Life comes to an end in death and that is natural, everybody has to bow to death. There is no third umpire here. We have lost a legend"—he added.

Ganguly also remembered the moment he got the trophy from him which he still feels special about.

"I was felicitated by the government of West Bengal and he had handed me a trophy. It still adorns my cupboard"—he added.

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Happy we got Bond: Sourav

Date : 1/21/10

Calcutta : The Kolkata Knight Riders captain Sourav Ganguly believes that New Zealand speedster Shane Bond will have a lot to contribute during the upcoming third edition of Indian Premier League.

The former Indian captain also feels that Bond’s price of $750,000 is totally justified.

“When we went to the auction, we had a clear idea about what kind of player we wanted. Our priority was a pacer, someone who can frighten the batsmen with sheer pace. As you never know how the bidding turns out to be, we had three choices — Shane Bond, Kemar Roach and Wayne Parnell. We are very happy that we have got Bond,” Ganguly told the reporters on Wednesday.

The skipper is hopeful that Bond will forge a successful partnership with Ishant Sharma..

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Ricky is irreplaceable: Dada

Date : 1/19/10

KKR skipper said that it was an amicable decision as the Australian captain wouldn’t have been available for too many matches.

“A player like Ricky in irreplaceable. We would not have done that if he was available for the whole league. He can’t play for eight to 10 matches,” the Kolkata Knight Riders captain told DNA.

“It was a strategic decision taken after consultation with all parties,” Ganguly added. Australia will be touring New Zealand around the time of IPL III in March-April.

The Australia skipper was roped in by Shah Rukh Khan’s KKR for $400,000 in 2008. It was then felt that the price was much lower than the status of Ponting. Ponting pulled out of the IPL II citing personal reasons.

Ganguly denied that West Indian Kieron Pollard will be the biggest draw at the auction. “At least not for us,” Ganguly, who was reinstated as KKR skipper this year, said. “We’ve our own strategy and will be looking for players we want.” Ganguly also declared that the team will be open to hiring Pakistan players.

Another noteworthy buy-out for the season is that of Stephen Fleming. The contract of former New Zealand skipper has been bought out by the Chennai Super Kings. Fleming, purchased for $350,000 will continue to be the coach of MS Dhoni’s side though.

Meanwhile, Lalit Modi strongly defended the contentious tie-break rule that will be applied at the auction. Stating that the rule is universally applied at the auctions, the IPL chairman said there would not be any relaxation even though the franchisees are reportedly opposed to the idea.

“We have determined to implement the fairest process that gives the two tied teams an equal opportunity to bag the player,” IPL CEO Sundar Raman had earlier said without giving details.

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Sourav,Sachin get free travel in AC-1 coaches for life

Source: Times of India Date: December 24, 2009

KOLKATA: Cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly were on Wednesday given lifetime passes by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee to travel free in air-conditioned first class coaches with their families.

Banerjee handed over to the duo lifetime achievement cards at a function where Tendulkar was felicitated for completing 20 years in international cricket.

"We are giving Sachin lifetime achievement card from the railways. He and his family can now travel free all over India throughout life in AC first class coaches. We are giving similar lifetime achievement card to Sourav also," Banerjee said at the programme.

Describing Tendulkar as a "genius" and "champion of champions", the railways minister said: "Players may come, players may go, but Sachin will go on for ever."

"The country will forever remember what he has given the country all these 20 years. Congratulation and thanks to Sachin and his friend Sourav for their performance," she said to tumultuous applause at the Bhowanipore club, which organised the function.

"We love Sachin. We love Sachin from our heart," she said.

The Bhowanipore Club football team, which has moved up to the Kolkata first division league, was also feted on the occasion. It was a proud moment for the footballers as Tendulkar posed for a group photo with them.

"For a team playing in the fifth division and to move up to the first division in five years is indeed great. It's a reflection of your hard work and sacrifices," Tendulkar said.

Hearing that the team's target is to play in the Kolkata premier division alongside clubs like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, Tendulkar said: "The real challenge starts next year for you. My best wishes to the club. I truly hope and expect a spectacular performance from you".

Tendulkar also congratulated the support staff, saying without them the club would not have achieved what it has.

"I would urge all of you to chase your dreams," the master batsman said.

In great spirits, Tendulkar also muttered "Kemon acho? Bhalo acho? (How are you? Are you well?)" in Bengali.

Tendulkar also handed over one of his India jerseys to the club.

"Please accept my jersey and keep it in the club. Good wishes," said the cricketing great.

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