'I don't think anybody is a favourite' - Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly, named Indian captain only for the series against Pakistan, reflected on his years as captain, playing Pakistan and John Wright's future in an interview with Mumbai's Mid Day.

"Whenever we play Pakistan, there is pressure of winning," Ganguly said about the upcoming clash. "And it's going to be no different this time." He refused to play down Pakistan's chances and call India the stronger contenders. "I don't think anybody is a favourite. Pakistan is a good side. They have a few injury problems but they are still a very good side. And we will have to play very, very well to beat them."

Ganguly said that John Wright's decision to leave was entirely his own, and that it may have been prompted by a longing to return home Click here for details

India's good performances abroad had revolved around strong batting performances and a resurgent bowling attack, but one half had gone awry last year, and this, many believed, led to India's poor showing. Ganguly sought to put it behind him, saying that the batting had begun to improve towards the end of the year. "We batted well against South Africa and Bangladesh in the last two series. We did not play well in the series against Australia, which we understand, and that's the reason we lost the series 2-1. It is a one-off thing and I don't think it's a major worry."

One thing - among others - that did concern him was the absence of an allrounder. Every other department was fine. "I don't think we have a problem with the openers. Gautam Gambhir has done well in that position. The wicket-keepers are still young, but I'm sure one of them will definitely come up and do the job. As for allrounders, yes, that's definitely a problem in India. That's the only problem area."

He spoke of the highs - "... the 2003 World Cup, the series in Pakistan, the series in Australia, the two ICC Mini-World Cups which we've played, the tour of England, the Natwest Series, beating Australia in 2001..." - and the lows - "Losing to Australia recently." - and said that many good things had happened to the team.

He said that John Wright's decision to leave was entirely his own, and that it may have been prompted by a longing to return home. "I reckon he has been away from his family for a long time. That's what may have prompted the decision. We worked well together but obviously now John has to go back which I fully understand. We need to move on, and he too needs to move on with life!"