Kumble's non availibility calls for change of plans: Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly will undoubtedly miss the services of Anil Kumble for the series against Australia
Staff Reporter
18-Jan-2001
Sourav Ganguly will undoubtedly miss the services of Anil Kumble for
the series against Australia. Speaking about the ace spinner's absence
following the surgery on his right shoulder, the Indian captain said
in Calcutta on Wednesday, "it would have been great if he was
available. However, nobody can deny that he has to tend to his injury.
We just have to play without him. We will definitely have to change
our plans as Kumble would have been the main weapon for us. However, I
just wish him a speedy recovery."
In the meantime, Ganguly took a walk down memory lane, playing for a
club that is run by his family. Ganguly participated in a club match
for the first time in a little less than two years. He donned the
whites for Barisha in a first division league match against
Excelsiors. He was bowled by off-spinner Pradip Das for 28.
Oxford Mission, a ground close to Ganguly's home is the place where
the Indian captain usually carries out his rigorous physical training.
When he trains, there are few to watch him. Today, however, was an
exception. Learning from newspapers that Ganguly would be playing for
Barisha, probably entire South Calcutta turned up to see him in
action. There were probably 10,000 people inside the ground and many
more outside. There were spectators on the fencing, on tress
surrounding the ground and on rooftops of nearby houses.
Fielding became a harrowing proposition for Ganguly as time and again
youngsters, prompted by their parents, invaded the ground to have his
autograph. The man however, did not lose his cool. He was the ever
obliging hero. After the game, Ganguly said, "I am very happy to have
played this match. I really wanted to play for Barisha this year
because a lot of sentiments are attached. I am playing for this club
after 15 years. The last time that I was player in this club side was
way back in 1986-87. Since then there have been quite a lot of changes
in my life." This was all that he could manage to say because he was
besieged by fans. The club officials literally had to enforce a human
chain round him.