Dada was a fighter, he never gives up - Raina

Date : 5/23/10

Calcutta: Suresh Kumar Raina, who will be captaining a new-look Team India on the forthcoming tour of Zimbabwe (tri-series and two T20 Internationals), took questions from The Telegraph, over the phone, on Saturday evening.

The following are excerpts

With just a few days to go before leaving for Zimbabwe, what are your thoughts?

The tour, as I see it, is an excellent opportunity for the young players... It’s nice that the seniors wanted a break and the selectors took the positive step of picking such a young side. Indeed, one is thankful to the Board.

You’ve had some days, between St Lucia and now, to think about your assignment...

I spoke to Gary (Kirsten, the coach) before leaving the West Indies... We talked about the preparations on getting to Zimbabwe... Yes, I’ve been thinking about the job... I’ve got a good pace attack, all are young and hungry... The tour will be an opportunity to learn and press for a regular berth in the ODIs and stake a claim at the highest level — Test cricket.

Captaining a young team... Is that an advantage or a disadvantage?

(Laughs) Look, main bhi young hoon (23)... I’ll be backed by an excellent support staff, which has helped take India to No.1 in Tests and No.2 in ODIs... Plus, the players are so eager... The ODIs are different, but we want the World Twenty20 disappointment to quickly become a thing of the past.

Biggest challenge?

To try and win every game... However, it’s not that I’ll be putting myself under too much pressure... Nor will I put my team under excessive pressure... I realise one has to be disciplined and one must follow the process... The players are full of josh and committed to making a mark... Being the captain, I’m happy with that.

What’s the kind of captain you’ll be?

By nature, I’m very positive and, while on the field, I’m high on intensity... You’ve seen that... Those things won’t change... I’ve learnt from some of our best captains — Dada (Sourav Ganguly) and Mahi (Mahendra Singh Dhoni)... There are certain things that you tend to pick up.

Do you have a role model captain?

As I’ve said, I’ve learnt from Dada and Mahi... Then, my debut (in 2005) was under Rahulbhai (Dravid)... Dada was the fighter-type, not one to give up... Mahi stays calm... Rahulbhai had his own style.

Who makes a good captain?

Somebody who gets the team to bond together, somebody who is able to communicate... Also, somebody who has the respect of his players. Respect bahut zaroori hai. To top it all, he has to be able to deliver when the chips are down... Has to lead from the front. When a captain does that, it becomes easy for him to demand the same effort from teammates.

Has Dhoni given you tips?

He’s asked me to keep things simple... He said that I’d done well in IPL III (captaining the Chennai Super Kings), when he hadn’t been available for three matches.

Stephen Fleming heads the Super Kings’ support staff. Did you exchange captaincy-related notes with him?

I’d liked him as New Zealand’s captain... His advice would always be to be patient and not rush into things, particularly if the moves haven’t gone well ... Fleming would impart practical things... I’ve got a fair idea of captaincy and can assure you I’ll be doing an honest job.

Has there been any communication between the two of you after you got the India captaincy?

Fleming has sent me a ‘do well’ message.

The last one... I assume, in Zimbabwe, nobody will be seen anywhere close to a pub...

Nahin, nahin.

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I am grateful to Ganguly : Sehwag

Indian batsman Virender Sehwag on Sunday expressed his gratitude to Sourav Ganguly, saying it was the former skipper who instilled confidence in him by giving him the opportunity to open the innings.

"I shall always be grateful to Sourav. He was the one who brought me up from middle-order to open the innings. He told me that if I don't perform as an opener then I will be shifted to the middle-order," Sehwag said, when asked about the turning point of his career.

The Delhi dasher cracked a blistering 293 in the third and final Test against Sri Lanka to help India win the match and wrap up the series 2-0 in Mumbai on Sunday.

Sehwag's 254-ball innings bagged him the man-of-the-match and the player of the series and helped India become the No 1 Test side in the world.

Sehwag, who has two triple centuries in his name, ranked his 293-run innings as his third best knock of his career.

"This will be the third best of my knocks. I wasn't thinking anything, my mind was very blank; I waited for a while. I just waited for the bad balls. In the dressing room they were saying I was hitting the good balls too but when you look at from my point of view, I was just hitting the bad balls!" he said.

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Dhoni great, but don't forget Ganguly: Srikkanth

Indiaabroad, Indo Asian News Service, 06 December 20:09:

New Delhi, Dec 6 (IANS) P: Chairman of selectors Kris Srikkanth Sunday hailed dhoni as one of the greatest Indian captains but also said the contributions of former skippers Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble should not be forgotten.

After India's sensational 2-0 Test series win over sri lanka here Sunday, Dhoni and his boys became the first Indian side to get the tag of No.1 Test team.

'Dhoni is a great captain. He also prefers to keep things simple and being uncomplicated has helped him as well. Best of luck to him and his team for becoming the No.1 Test team in the world,' said Srikkanth.

But Srikkanth also said that amid jubilation, one shouldn't forget the contributions of former captains like Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Kumble.

'They played important roles in moulding this team and we shouldn't forget their contributions as well. Sourav and Kumble may have retired from Test cricket, but the way they led the team overseas was commendable,' he said.

As per records, Ganguly is the most successful Indian Test captain while Kumble, who got a short stint before Dhoni took over, is remembered for holding the side together during the controversial 2007-08 series in Australia.

Anil did a great job before Dhoni took charge. And who can forget Sourav's leadership abilities in the memorable 2003-04 series in Australia' said Srikkanth.

Indian cricket board president Shashank Manohar also congratulated the Indian team for winning the series and topping the Test rankings.

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Sourav took very good decisions: Sachin

New Delhi, Sat, Dec 05 2009 :

India watches with bated breath when Sachin Tendulkar comes out to bat but one man prefers to go on a long drive just to avoid seeing him live in action. And that man happens to be the maestro's own elder brother Ajit with whom he discusses every aspect of the game. "He does not watch my matches. I have been told by friends that he goes on a long drive alone, where there is no radio, there is nothing, and he comes back only after the match is over," Tendulkar told News24 channel. "Later, a recording is pulled out and then he and I discuss where improvements can be made in my batting and what mistakes I committed.

All this discussion happens then," he said. "Because I speak to him every evening and on a daily basis we discuss what sort of preparation should be made for a match and what are the mistakes to be avoided, and this is a habit I have since school cricket and I still use this formula," he added.

Recalling his days of playing under Ganguly, Tendulkar said the Bengal batsman was spot on with most of the decisions he took during his tenure but maintained that a captain is only as good as the team. "I think a captain is successful when his team performs well. If a team gets out after 150-200 runs, even a good captain can't do anything. But when it comes to decision making I would say that Sourav took very good decisions," he said. "The results after his decisions were also good. So I think he has done a brilliant job for us. A time came in Indian cricket around the year 2001, when we started winning consistently outside India. It started a trend which was very good for Indian cricket and Sourav had played a big role in that," Tendulkar said.

Asked to compare Sourav Ganguly with Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Tendulkar said the two have distinct ways of showing aggression with the former being a lot more expressive in his body language. "I think I don't like making comparisons. Every individual has his own identity. Every individual has an imagination. Both have different personalities. Dhoni is very calm and composed on the field but Sourav had a different body language from Dhoni," he said. "I think they are both aggressive but their style is different. They react differently to situations. So I don't like to compare. I have never compared people," he added.

The veteran right-hander, who completed 20 years in international cricket a few weeks ago, thanked his wife Anjali for supporting him at the expense of her own medical career. "I think my problem is that I am not expressive on the face. But she knows my style, what I want to say, what I am feeling, what I am thinking, she knows and she understands," Tendulkar said. Tendulkar also said he missed his late father immensely as he was a guiding force for him in every aspect of life. "I will always miss my father. I don't think anything in the world can replace him. I feel his absence acutely, especially during good and bad times in my life.

My father always guided me and was a source of strength to me. Though he refused to divulge any of the dressing room banter, the 36-year-old said the younger lot keep the atmosphere light with their pranks, which are at times targetted at him. "A newcomer may think twice because he may not know me well, but along with Yuvraj (Singh) and Harbhajan Singh they all join in the fun. It's not as if only one or two players make fun of others, all players poke fun at each other," he revealed.

Asked how he felt at being referred to as 'grandfather' by Yuvraj Singh during a press conference, Tendulkar said even he has a few nicknames for the left-hander. "I have many names for him too, which I cannot reveal in front of the TV camera. I warned him to think twice before calling me grandpa because I have many names to call him in front of the camera. But I am not revealing them now as I am giving him a chance after my warning," he said.

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Sourav is my Role Model : Irfan Pathan

SOURCE :ZEE NEWS

Mumbai: Being left from the Indian Champions Trophy squad has not hampered pacer Irfan Pathan’s hopes; instead he has vowed to make a successful comeback into the team, just the way Sourav Ganguly did when he was dealing with a similar kind of a fate!

The Vadodara lad is not sulking for being omitted from the recently concluded tri-nation series in Sri Lanka and the upcoming Champions Trophy. On the contrary, he said that he is taking inspiration from former Indian skipper and his role model Ganguly, who, like the phoenix, rose from the ashes to break his way into the national side.

“Sourav is my role model in terms making comebacks to the Indian team,” said Pathan.

“I am confident that I will return to the Indian team soon,” he added.

Pathan was sidelined in the above mentioned series, due to his poor run of form after the World Twenty20 in England. He is now working out regularly and trying to make himself completely fit for the upcoming domestic season.

“My aim should be to get back to the team and cement my place, not just in the Twenty20 or ODI side but also in the Test team,” Pathan said

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Kapil hails Ganguly's decision to enter cricket admin

Date: September 15, 2009
Kolkata, Sep 15 (PTI) Hailing Sourav Ganguly's decision to enter cricket administration, Kapil Dev today said former players like him are best suited for the role, not the politicians.

Taking an indirect dig at the BCCI's mandarins who have political affinities, the World Cup winning captain said, "Politicians should do politics, like doctors in medicine and engineers in engineering."

"Ganguly is a great cricketer and I believe he would do justice to cricket administration. If great cricketers like him do not get into the cricket administration than who else should? Cricketers should take a cue from Ganguly and run the show for the betterment of the game," said Kapil.

Having retired from the international cricket last year, Ganguly had said he wanted to join cricket administration.

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Buchanan Praises dada

Date : 7/12/09
That John Buchanan, the former coach of the Australian national team and the Knight Riders IPL squad, had a troubled relationship with Sourav Ganguly and Shane Warne is no secret.

What comes as a revelation, though, are the swipes he has taken at Sunil Gavaskar, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Kevin Pietersen, Shoaib Akhtar, Vijay Mallya and Mark Ramprakash in his just-released book, 'The Future of Cricket: The Rise of Twenty20'.

The book deals with IPL and T20. Yet, it is much more likely that attention will be focused on its criticism of some of cricket's biggest stars.

The swipe at Gavaskar comes while Buchanan is talking about a franchisee meeting with IPL bosses in Goa in February this year. When he suggested that more international players be allowed to figure in the playing XI, Buchanan claims, the IPL administrators decided to refer the concept to the technical committee headed by Gavaskar. "What this means is that any ideas that affect the way T20 might be played are referred to a committee chaired by a person who is blinkered by bias and tradition," the former Aussie coach concludes.

Buchanan has taken a swipe at several Indian cricketers but has also had a few good words to say about former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly in his just released book.

In the course of a chapter on Ganguly, in which he sometimes freely praises the former Indian skipper and even hands out left-handed compliments while maintaining that he is unsuitable for T20, he talks of Ganguly as "the model for the new breed of confident and combative Indian cricketers" akin to Ian Chappell for the Aussies.

However, Buchanan goes on to take a dig at dashing southpaw Yuvraj Singh while comparing him with Ganguly."Yuvraj Singh in a sense tries to be a modern-day Ganguly, but I don't think he has the charisma or the dignity with which Ganguly carries himself". He is quick to clarify that he is not saying Yuvraj has no charisma or dignity, but the damage already done is compounded by adding that the Mohali team coach Tom Moody had told him "Yuvraj would just walk off after training, leaving all his gear and rubbish because he was used to someone else picking up after him".

As for Bhajji, he talks of how the Indian offie is "good at dishing out treatment, lighting the fire, and then finding an appropriate means to camouflage his action".

Talking of the Bhajji-Andrew Symonds showdown during the Test series in Australia in 2007-08, Buchanan says of Harbhajan, "in that instance he dished it out, but when it came to his turn he was not able to receive it back so well".

Yet, says Buchanan, there was no hint of Pietersen suggesting that players were being paid "obscene or over-inflated" sums or of any social responsibility in "dispersing or donating or sponsoring some of those friends who he said he knew were 'doing it tough'." All this in a chapter entitled The Chase for Cash.

There's a chapter entitled The Shock of Shoaib, where Buchanan writes about how another former Aussie coach, Greg Chappell had warned him before the first IPL season: "He (Ganguly) won't be your biggest problem...Shoaib will...He will make Warney (Shane Warne) look like a highly disciplined fitness fanatic in comparison." For sheer economy of effort - three people swiped at in one short passage - that one takes the cake.

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REACTIONS ABT DADA'S RETIREMENT

“Just one last thing lads, before I leave, I just want to say that this is going to be my last series. I’ve decided to quit. I’ve told my teammates before I’ve come here. These four Test matches are going to be my last. Thanks for all your support and hopefully we can end on a winning note.”

These words marked the end of an era for one of India’s greatest cricketers. It also spurred many a reaction from former cricketers, to colleagues, to cricket pundits around the world. Here are all the reactions…

It’s hard to come and watch a cricket match from the stands. So enjoy the last four days… You’ve been fantastic and it’s under you that we learnt to win Tests abroad. We cherished your batting. You had the opportunity to do everything possible on the field. All the best in your retired life! Thanks for your support. - Anil Kumble

It was under Sourav’s captaincy and when John was the coach that I re-emerged as a batsman... The team too went from strength to strength 2000-01 onwards. Sourav and John changed the team’s thinking and we became more confident. Sourav’s contribution as captain won’t be forgotten. He backed match-winners. As a batsman, well, he has been a great performer. Anybody with over 7,000 Test runs and over 11,000 runs in ODIs has to fall in that category. - VVS Laxman

I have always backed Ganguly who has been performing to the best of his abilities. Unfortunately, only Ganguly was not picked for the Rest of India team (in the Irani Trophy). That should not have happened. - Syed Kirmani

Sourav’s 7000 was very special. He is going out there and enjoying the game… He is not under any pressure. He is playing his shots and you want Sourav to play like that. He is very different from the others. - Dhoni on Dada's performance in the Mohali Test

It came as a surprise as he told us in the dressing room that he was quitting. He's had a brilliant career and I for one have thoroughly enjoyed playing with him. There have been some memorable moments that he has given to the game and also the immense joy he has given to the team. -Sachin Tendulkar

What more could he have asked for? He's seen it all. Played some fascinating knocks in one-dayers; batted well in Tests at home and away; won Tests abroad and led India to a World Cup final. It's been special to have been part of a middle-order alongside him. I hope I learnt something from him and added something to his cricket. - Rahul Dravid

I think any sportsman would like to go out on his terms. Sourav is a great servant of Indian Cricket and has proved to be a great leader, especially away from home. I remember the series against Australia (2003) where his innings helped India draw at the Gabba. He has been a catalyst for change and upward mobility for Indian cricket. Any great player leaving will leave a gap but that also means an opportunity for a youngster. - Brian Lara

Ganguly had a superb career as a cricketer. He was an outstanding captain and a great player. I suppose all great careers have to end at some time or the other. Probably the fact that he had to play for India A following his selection in the Test team might have triggered the decision. He should leave with a hundred, in a blaze of glory... That will please all of us. - Dilip Vengsarkar

It was no doubt a big decision by him. He probably wanted to go out on a high and the series against Australia provides him a great opportunity. - Kiran More

When Sourav discussed his plans with me and other teammates of his, I was truly shocked. I think he has served the country exceptionally well. I personally think he has taken the right decision at the right time. I only hope he goes on a high by helping his team beat the world champions at home. I congratulated him and what else could I do when a man who has given so much for the country and for the game decides to quit. Ganguly has served the country well and it is now time for him to go and let us keep it at that. – Chief of selectors, Krish Srikanth

I'm quite surprised. But at the same time, I think it's a good decision. There could be no better decision than this. He has done wonderfully well for the country. So a dignified exit was imperative on his behalf. He has played cricket successfully, he has led the side successfully; 12 years of an illustrious career. He had a huge impact on some of the players, he created Yuvraj, had a great influence on Harbhajan Singh's career. Arguably he is one of the best captains we have had so far. He proved himself beyond anybody's doubt. – Javagal Srinath

He could have played for more time. He showed tremendous mental toughness by making a comeback. It was Ganguly who instilled this no-fear attitude in Indian cricket, which has seen the team scale new heights. If he has taken this decision then there should be some problem attributed to this. – Inzamam-ul-Haq

We all enjoyed his batting and his passion for the game. I would not mourn his retirement but would recall the joy he gave us all with his game. I hope he plays a gem of a knock against Australia and makes us proud. We are anyway proud of whatever he has done for the country. - Kapil Dev

It (Ganguly's retirement) will certainly create distractions. The decision takes pressure off Sourav but puts pressure on some other and the Indian players. I'm sure the crowd in India will be eager to come out and see Sourav play his last Tests. - Ricky Ponting

It is a sad day for Indian cricket that he has decided to retire. But he has taken a brave decision and he will go as one of the 'icons' of Indian cricket. - Shoaib Akhtar

He took over the captaincy at a very difficult time when they had a leadership void in their cricket. And he was one of most inspirational captains. He has taken the right decision because only he knows the situation he was facing. But his contribution to Indian cricket is immense. - Mohammed Yousuf

I would like to celebrate his retirement, rather than mourn it because of his enormous contribution to Indian cricket. A great player, a legend of the game has hung up his boots and we all should celebrate his contribution. - Bishen Singh Bedi

I really feel he had a few years of cricket left in him. But perhaps it’s the player who knows himself best. But I know Ganguly as one of the most resolute players. His elegance as a batsman is of high class. At one point of time he used to be called the God on off-side. I am sure everybody will miss the Bengal Tiger. His contribution had been immense to international cricket. He was a batsman of pure class. - Mohammed Azharuddin

He was a big asset to Indian cricket and he had lot of leadership qualities. But if he has decided to retire I think he knows what is right for him now. - Shoaib Malik

He has left his mark on Indian cricket and he will be remembered as a very successful and astute captain. - Aamair Sohail

I am surprised to hear this. He was the top performer some time ago. I really feel he had a few years of cricket left in him. - Anshuman Gaekwad

It is an important moment in Indian cricket. It is a good decision he has taken and at the right time.People will now know this is the last time they will be watching one of their favourite cricketers. It's a moment every big name in cricket deserves. I take my hat off to Ganguly for what he did to Indian cricket after 2000. he was a leader who gave India a lot of belief after what was a difficult stage in Indian cricket. That is Ganguly's contribution to Indian cricket for which he will be remembered. -Sanjay Manjrekar

It seems that there is more than his ability as a cricketer which has prompted him probably to take this decision, then that is very unfortunate. It is expected to be shown due honour at least and nobody should have a feeling that he has been treated in a manner which has prompted him to call it a day sooner than one would have been happy to. - Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee

I was taken aback, surprised too. There’s definitely a sadness attached to the decision but all good things have to come to an end. When you think of it rationally, it is a good decision because a player of his magnitude and stature should go out on a high. I wish and pray he has the series of his life against Australia. Not for anything else, but only because he deserves it. I was a fan then and am a fan now. - Arun Lal

The good thing is that despite his strong presence and influence he had the courage to take the correct decision. His decision to retire at this stage would set a good precedent for other senior players. He brought a lot of fighting spirit to the Indian team and he made them believe they are world beaters. He backed his players to the hilt and that is the sign of a great captain. - Haroon Rasheed

I feel it’s a very good decision. I still remember the day when he was selected for the England tour in 1996… It’s been a long journey… Long 12 years… He has taken a great decision after a successful career in all three forms of the game. I feel after Sunil Gavaskar, his (Sourav’s) will be another graceful retirement. - Sambaran Banerjee

Frankly it did not come as a surprise to me. He’s a thinking cricketer. These cricketers know their bodies well. He must have thought deep and consulted people whom he trusts and then decided. -Chandu Borde

I have no immediate comment regarding this. - Jagmohan Dalmiya

Personally I feel very down after hearing this. But professionally speaking, I would like to mention that this is a timely decision. - Deep Dasgupta

It’s a big loss for the game. A vacuum is created when a cricketer like him retires. - Current selector Raja Venkat

Ever since he made his Test debut, people have raised fingers over Ganguly's inclusion in the side, and it has remained to date. So one can sympathise with his feelings that he has always been singled out during selection issues. His outburst is understandable. - Sunil Gavaskar

I am a big fan of Ganguly. I didn’t like the way Ganguly was made to retire. I know he was obviously struggling for the past couple of years but he deserved more respect. - Swedish golfer Daniel Chopra

Each person knows when the time comes to retire. Sourav believes the time is now. Not many players get the great fortune to call their own ending and coincide it with a major series at home. Sourav has been an incredible performer and servant to Indian cricket. I’m pleased that he has got this opportunity to script and perform his last chapter. - John Buchanan

It must be very frustrating for Ganguly’s fans. Yet, their hero has played 109 Tests, led in 49 and finishes as India’s most successful captain. It is an impressive record. I suspect posterity will treat Ganguly much better than his contemporaries did. - Suresh Menon, Cricinfo

I believe the decision has come very early. I feel that he still has at least two years of cricket left in him. The news comes as saddening to me. He has been a legend for Indian cricket, the most successful captain. I hope he departs on a good note. – Dada’s Coach Debu Mitra

He has made the right decision, as he will go out gracefully now and be remembered with respect and admiration. Indian cricket will miss his strong will, character and presence in the dressing room.- Ramiz Raja

I feel really hurt when a senior player is treated like this. It is unfortunate. We have given our heart and soul for the game. Don’t we deserve a better farewell. Senior player is next to coach. In our country people remember one bad performance and forget past nine good shows. They constantly criticise you. Same thing happened with me and now with Sourav. - Dhanraj Pillay

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"SOURAV A ODI GREAT" SAYS GAVASKAR

Nagpur: Sourav Ganguly will go down as a great one-day player but the same cannot be said of the stylish left-hander in Test cricket as he lacked consistency, says former India captain Sunil Gavaskar.

"I think at the one-day level, he is a great player. With the number of runs he has made, the number of man of the match awards he won he is right up there. But at the Test level, he was just a level short because he was not as consistent," Gavaskar said of the Bengal player, who bid adieu to international cricket today.

In fact, Gavaskar feels India will find another Ganguly some time later but what the team would struggle for is a replacement for spin legend Anil Kumble.

"It is not easy to replace Kumble or Ganguly. Their experience is invaluable but I believe Kumble is going to be harder to replace with his 600 wickets then Ganguly. But we have got the talent," he told CNN-IBN.

And among the youngsters who have impressed him most, Gavaskar rates pacer Ishant Sharma as the best.

"I think Ishant is going to be very special. This is what was spoken about Kapil Dev and Javagal Srinath. Let's take Kapil out because he is the greatest. But the deliveries like the slower one which Srinath learnt after four or five years of international cricket, Ishant has learnt in just one year of playing," he said.

"He is learning new balls and with that kind of head on his shoulders, he is going to take a bagful of wickets. He will not let a lot of opening partnerships flourish," he added.

There is no dearth of talents like Ishant in Indian cricket, says Gavaskar, but what the team needs for becoming as intimidating as the West Indians of 1980s and the Aussies post-90s is more consistent performances. "Talent wise India has everything. Temperament wise they have to toughen up. I would like to see them as ruthless as the Windies were in 80s. There is a touch of sloppiness in the Indian team which they have to get rid of," he said.

"We have beaten the world champions but consistency is the only thing that make us number one," he added.

And the man who can ensure such consistency is new skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, says Gavaskar.

"The baton has been passed on to the youngsters. Today the man of the match was a 20-year-old (Ishant) and we have a captain who is young and energetic. Dhoni is brilliant and I think Indian cricket is on the rise," he said.

Gavaskar said by giving the seniors a warm farewell Dhoni has shown his fresh approach to leadership.

"When he made Sourav captain for those last few moments or when he lifted Kumble on his shoulders in his last match, Dhoni showed enormous respect to the seniors. He recognised their contribution. It's a good sign of a young cricketer who has his feet on the ground," he said.

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KAPIL WISHES GOOD LUCK TO DADA

Kapil wishes luck to Ganguly for his last Test
Source: New Kerela Date: November 5, 2008
New Delhi, Nov 5 : Former India captain Kapil Dev today wished luck to Sourav Ganguly who will play the last Test of his illustrious international career against Australia at Nagpur tomorrow. "I wish him all the best for his last Test and he is not only a great captain but a great player as well," Kapil told mediapersons here.

The 1983 World Cup winning captain, Kapil also showered praise on Anil Kumble who recently announced his retirement during the Delhi Test against Australia.

''I believe he was an extraordinary player and we can just salute to players of his stature,'' he said.

''His records prove his contribution to the game and getting 619 wickets is in itself an extraordinary achievement,'' he added.

Kapil also dismissed suggestions that senior players were being forced to take up retirement by the BCCI.

''I don't think so. These are such big names that you can't tell them to do something against their wishes.

''Anil got injured and he took a right decsion at the right time,'' he stated.

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