Ganguly warns against complacency

Sourav Ganguly has said that while he was encouraged by India's performances last season, the players needed to guard against complacency and ensure that they improved on their display this year. Looking ahead to the 2004-05 season, which kicks off with the Asia Cup on July 16, Ganguly told Press Trust of India: "It is an important season for us. Last year was good and successful. We have to follow it with another good season - that is how you become a strong and good side."

Ganguly, who turned 32 today, admitted that his players could be rusty after a three-month layoff, but said that the challenge was to get into groove early. "The important thing is that we have to settle down quickly because just like any other team we are coming out of a two-and-half-month layoff. Getting the rhythm straightaway is never possible; so it is a challenge for us to get into rhythm and optimum level of confidence as quickly as possible."

India go into the Asia Cup as favourites, but Ganguly refused to underestimate their opponents. "It is always going to be tough since Sri Lanka will be playing at home and Pakistan is a good side. It is going to be tough for all three sides when they compete against each other."

India had played through most of last season without a couple of frontline bowlers, but the three-month rest has allowed both Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh to recover, a fact which delighted Ganguly. "I think after a long time we are back in full strength. Considering this we hope to do well in the Asia Cup.

"Harbhajan back in the team is a huge bonus for us. If he can raise his standards on par with Kumble along with Zaheer, Irfan Pathan and [Lakshmipathy] Balaji, I am sure we will have an edge over the other teams."