Dravid backs beleagured Ganguly

Rahul Dravid has backed a beleagured Sourav Ganguly who is currently attempting to fight his way into form. Ganguly, who is going through an extended batting slump, has been under tremendous pressure to score. He managed just 48 runs in five Test innings against Pakistan and was dimissed for a first-ball zero in the first ODI at Kochi.

"We are sure Sourav will come up with a good performance sooner or later," Dravid was quoted by the BBC. "Each player has a role and there are times when some are out of form. There is no pressure because of that. The challenge is to carry people who are out of form and still manage the right results."

India outplayed Pakistan in the first one-dayer, winning by 87 runs. However, Dravid expects Pakistan to come back strongly in the series. "India and Pakistan are evenly-matched sides and we have great respect for our rivals. We are aware they will bounce back hard," he continued. "I do not believe in the tag of underdogs or favourites. That is one thing this game has taught me over the years."

The second one-day international will begin tomorrow at Vizag.