`We are here to win,' reiterates Ganguly

The Indian team was accorded a warm welcome on their arrival at the Zia International Airport in Dhaka to play the historic first Test against new entrants Bangladesh at the Bangabandhu stadium from November 10 to 14. No sooner had the team landed, Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly was hounded by questions relating to the recent revelations in the Central Bureau of Investigation's report.

Speaking to scribes in Dhaka, Ganguly staunchly felt that the CBI report and its after effects would not reflect on the team's performance. He said ``We will not be affected by the match-fixing scandal as none of the players named by the CBI in its report are in the 14-member team.''

Ganguly, who was in the company of coach Anshuman Gaekwad during the press conference, added ``We want to leave the match-fixing issue aside and concentrate on cricket.'' But when the media persisted with their questions over the issue, Ganguly categorically stated ``Can you keep it aside. I have been answering this for the last seven months.''

With that he turned his attention towards the game and particularly India's performances so far in the season. Ganguly felt that the recent developments have not kept the crowds and the sponsors away. Speaking of the drubbing India received against Sri Lanka in the Champions Trophy finals at Sharjah, he said that it was a bad dream and went on to assure that the players have come out of it. Ganguly felt that such a low score could happen any time to any country. He felt that, barring the recent final at Sharjah, the team's performance in recent times ``has been quite encouraging,'' but added a cautious note saying ``it's nothing to be excited about.''

Ganguly reiterated that both the new finds, Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan, have showcased their talent brilliantly at the highest level. ``The talented players are coming up. We have to give them some time. We should not put too much pressure on them'', he said. Ganguly was of the view that the youthful Indian side was talented and expressed fervent hope that the side would emerge as one of the best teams in the world. "In a couple of months we are going to be a very strong side", he claimed. Ganguly felt confident of the present Indian pace attack. As for the spinning department, he said ``we will miss Anil Kumble,'' but however added ``we have two good spinners in Sunil Joshi and Murali Kartik.''

The only significant absentee in the team on its arrival was all rounder Yuvraj Singh, who is held up in Calcutta due to problems with his travel documents.