`Ganguly, the luckiest batsman' says Aibara

Remember the first time Hyderabad won a Ranji Trophy? For the record it was a long time ago, 1937-38 to be precise. Remember Eddie Aibara? Well he is now the lone survivor of the Hyderabad team which took the Championship that year. The octogenarian, on Tuesday was declared out of danger after being admitted into the Intensive Care Unit last week.

He was admitted into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Mediciti hospital on May 6 with heart and kidney ailments. Dr Gopala Kishan, who has so far been attending on him, said ``He has responded well to the medication. His heart condition is normal now. But I will have to conduct a few more tests on his kidneys. After a week in the hospital he can resume his normal duties.'' The grand old man of Hyderabad cricket is now stated to be out of danger but has been requested to remain under observation for the next seven days.

Speaking to the Deccan Chronicle at the hospital, Aibara a coach himself, said ``A great player does not necessarily become a great coach. It needs lot of hard work and sweat. Kapil may be a great player but he knows little about coaching. He doesn't have the experience. Can he tell why Sachin gets bowled by an incutter on the off-stump? Obviously, no'' and went on to explain that`` Sachin has a flaw here. He does not get his left shoulder in line with his left leg, leaving a gap that causes him problems.''

After dwelling on the subject, he went on to speak about the importance of footwork. Aibara said ``I always felt Azharuddin was the luckiest batsman in the world. Despite many flaws in his technique he has survived for so many years in international cricket. But after seeing Ganguly, I have changed my opinion. He should be the luckiest batsman in the world as of now. With limited foot-work, I don't know how long he will survive.''

Even at the age of 87, Aibara is still into coaching and will still continue to do so. He said ``I spend four days in a week at the Zoarastrian Club and two days at the Sports Coaching Foundation at Mehdipatnam. This routine will continue, of course, till I keep good health.''