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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