| As captain of India's national cricket team, Sourav Ganguly's
achievements were remarkable. In 2003 he'd led his team to a first-ever test series
against Pakistan to victory and cemented his place as India's most successful
captain ever. Ganguly is currently playing for Northamptonshire in the English
county championship and hopes he can play his way back into the Indian team. However
with the Indian team finding form again after a test series win in the West Indies,
is there a place for him? In an exclusive interview on BBC World's HARDtalk extra
Rob Bonnet speaks to him. Excerpts from his interview below: Talking about his
aspirations for a return to the Indian national team, Ganguly says, "It's
not just the World Cup it's even further beyond. I am going to be 33 so I don't
think it's an age to make a decision yet about cricket. I'll keep on performing…I've
not even thought about anything at this stage except playing the game. I just
want to keep on playing, keep on performing, do what is in my hands, that is,
playing the game, batting and bowling and fielding, and not worry about the rest…I
just want to keep on playing and I still feel that I can be part of a successful
side in terms of my contribution." He adds, "I'll do what's in
my hands, perform, because at the end of the day you can only be judged by your
performances. If I don't perform I don't get back. If I perform I expect to get
back …I am determined to get runs on the board...I had a good domestic season.
I got to play in one test match in Pakistan where I was the second highest scorer
after Yuvraj [Singh]." Ganguly does rule out being captain of Indian
team again and feels, "You don't have captains every six months, if you have
captains every six months it's wrong. I am looking forward to playing as a player."
He confesses he won' be disappointed if he doesn't come back in and says, ''I
have played 390 internationals for India, captained 200. I must be one of the
lucky few." Talking about the controversy surrounding his sacking as
captain and subsequent removal from the national team, Ganguly shares plan of
possibly writing a book. 'There will be some time when I will correct this…I'm
too lazy to write a 600 page book…maybe when I finish or at some stage when
I feel it's the right time I will clear it up. Talking about the book he says,
''It will be all about cricket…on the field and some things off the field.''
When asked if it will include a chapter on Chappell, Greg, he signs off '''Well
when you read the book you'll find out.'' . This edition of HARDtalk extra
will be telecast on BBC World on Sunday 9th July at 1100 and 1700 IST. For
further information contact:
Deeptie Sethi/ Neha Sharma Priyanki Ahluwalia
BBC
World Genesis Public Relations
Tel: 91 11 2341 2672/73 Ext. 102 Tel: 95124
504 4999 Ext. 173
Email: deeptie.sethi@bbc.co.uk Email: priyanki.ahluwalia@bm.com
Note
to Editors
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