With the former captain coming in direct competition with the young, energetic and inform Yuvraj Singh for a slot in the middle order, his place in the playing XI was in doubt.
Skipper Rahul Dravid said on the eve of the Lahore Test that the final decision on the playing XI would be taken just before the toss. But, the selectors sprang a surprise when news came out that Ganguly had been chosen to open the innings with Virender Sehwag.
Poor Gautam Gambhir and Wasim Jaffer, who had made the trip across the border with high hopes of facing the new cherry hurled by Shoiab Akhtar at over 90-miles/ hr, were left in the lurch.
But the drama of Ganguly's elevation did not end here.
On the morning of the Test, out came the news that it would be the honour of Rahul Dravid to take up the opening slot. Ganguly would come in the middle order.
Did the sight of Shoaib and Sami during the practice session make the Dada chicken out? Well, we will never know.
With the team overflowing with young blood, with youngsters performing with distinction, the former skipper must try really hard to perform with the bat to silence his critics. But in fielding, where will he measure up to Yuvraj who is light years ahead of him.
In a space of just two Test matches, Ganguly has gone from a specialist middle order batsman to an all-rounder to an opener. And now just two roles - three actually - remain for him on the field.
That of an genuine bowler, a wicket-keeper or of a spectator. About the AuthorPriyarag Verma Priyarag Verma has been following all the twists and turns of Indian politics closely. He follows sports very closely and has a special liking for cri...Read Morefirst published:January 13, 2006, 15:04 ISTlast updated:January 13, 2006, 15:04 IST
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A game of musical chair seems to be on within Team India. First, it was the choice of the team for the Pakistan tour, when in order to include a sulking Sourav Ganguly a 16-member squad was chosen.
With the former captain coming in direct competition with the young, energetic and inform Yuvraj Singh for a slot in the middle order, his place in the playing XI was in doubt.
Skipper Rahul Dravid said on the eve of the Lahore Test that the final decision on the playing XI would be taken just before the toss. But, the selectors sprang a surprise when news came out that Ganguly had been chosen to open the innings with Virender Sehwag.
Poor Gautam Gambhir and Wasim Jaffer, who had made the trip across the border with high hopes of facing the new cherry hurled by Shoiab Akhtar at over 90-miles/ hr, were left in the lurch.
But the drama of Ganguly's elevation did not end here.
On the morning of the Test, out came the news that it would be the honour of Rahul Dravid to take up the opening slot. Ganguly would come in the middle order.
Did the sight of Shoaib and Sami during the practice session make the Dada chicken out? Well, we will never know.
With the team overflowing with young blood, with youngsters performing with distinction, the former skipper must try really hard to perform with the bat to silence his critics. But in fielding, where will he measure up to Yuvraj who is light years ahead of him.
In a space of just two Test matches, Ganguly has gone from a specialist middle order batsman to an all-rounder to an opener. And now just two roles - three actually - remain for him on the field.
That of an genuine bowler, a wicket-keeper or of a spectator.
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