We are better prepared now: Ganguly

MUMBAI: He is truly back in vogue. Despite a delayed arrival in Mumbai on Sunday evening, Sourav Ganguly followed it up by attending the BCCI’s awards function and then agreed for six TV interviews in a span of just one hour. Suddenly, it seemed like yesterday once more for the former India captain, India’s man of the moment after emerging Man of the Series in the Tests against Pakistan.

Ganguly had an even more packed schedule before he left for Australia with the Indian team on Monday morning. He signed up with an upcoming news network, squeezed in a 7:30 am promotional shoot and finally managed to find time for an interview with TOI. He claims he is not missing anything. Not even captaincy? “No, no, I have had my time. No more. Anil is doing a terrific job,” he said.

Excerpts…

In 1991-92 you went on your first tour to Australia. What do you remember of your first-ever international tour?

Sixteen years (smiles) yeah…I was young then. I was picked in a team with huge names, Kapil Dev, Vengsarkar, Manjrekar, Tendulkar, Shastri, Prabhakar. So you know it was something different for me. Just a 17-18-year-old among greats, so I was a bit awestruck.

Then in 1999-2000 you went as vice-captain, in 2003-04 as captain and now you are going back as a senior player. You have been to Australia in different roles. How does it feel going back?

I think this is probably the best team which has gone to Australia since I started playing. Last time we did pretty well, but we did not have much of a bowling attack. Zaheer, Harbhajan were not fit. We just had Anil Kumble, who did a fabulous job right throughout the series. This time we are going better prepared. If Sree Santh would have been fit then I think it would have been complete. But I think now we have a very good chance to do well.

Can this Indian team do one better than your side of 2003-04, when the series was drawn 1-1?

I really hope so. Australia are without Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne, two of their greatest bowlers. But they will be a tough team, they have Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson. I am sure Brad Hogg (left-arm spinner) is going to play because all good Test teams have good spinners. It is going to be tough but if we can put runs on the board I think we can really push them.

What is different about this team, does it have an X-factor which earlier sides didn’t have?

It is just the quality of players and the confidence of having won overseas earlier. In the last six-seven years we have done wonderfully well. Winning in West Indies, England, Pakistan, levelling in Australia. We have done well everywhere. Getting to the World Cup final in South Africa (2003), winning the Twenty20 World Cup.

These are tough places for a subcontinent team. And India have done better than any subcontinental team in these countries. So, from that point of view, I think it is the knowledge of doing well overseas which will help in Australia.

What’s the reason for India’s overseas successes since 2000-01, especially after you took over as captain? What’s been the big change?

First of all it is the quality of players that’s the most important thing, because you have to perform. Then it is the confidence and desire to win. We wanted to change that statement of India being good only at home. John Wright (New Zealander, former India coach) also played a very important role in that, trying to make the boys believe that we can win overseas.

Was this feeling missing in earlier teams or on your debut tour in 1991-92?

I won’t say it was missing, but we didn’t win much then. I am sure every team that leaves Indian shores wants to win. But somehow it did not happen.

You are playing your 100th Test match in Australia (Melbourne, December 26-30). A big moment for you…

It is definitely a big moment in my career. When you play cricket you don’t think you will reach 100 Test matches, but I am happy to be there.

What’s been the highlight of your career through these 99 Tests?

My first Test. It will always be special. Then becoming captain, winning that Test match at Kolkata against Australia in 2001… these moments will always be special.

But a year back all this did not seem possible. You have proved a lot of people wrong. What drove you then?

Just the need to play for India, nothing else. The feeling was I want to succeed at that level. Just the thought of doing well, when you walk out to bat in a Test match or a One-day game and you get runs… that evening you feel good about yourself. The feeling was I belong here.

Players’ representative body needed in India: Maddy

Panchkula  : Darren Maddy is ‘Dazza’ to friends. And here at the Indian Cricket League, he has a lot of friends – “I am trying to pick up the local language”. Playing for the Kolkata Tigers, Maddy had a dream spell against the Chandigarh Lions (4 for 6) but he still feels the Twenty-20 format is loaded in batsman’s favour.The English player is also hopeful that the England and Wales Cricket Board would not banish him from playing at the ICL, and feels that a players body in India could have averted the situation the Indian ‘rebels’ are facing.

Sportline spoke to him even as he was preparing for Kolkata Tigers’ next match.

* How do you feel playing such cricket outside of England, especially in India? What are your thoughts on the ICL and the pitch here at Panchkula that has been reworked for this championship.?
Maddy: Oh, I am enjoying every bit of touring and playing my cricket in India. It has been five years since I last visited India. Although, one doesn’t find seaming pitches in India but it is always a challenge to play on the Indian strips. The pitch here (Panchkula) was initially very slow and had unpredictable bounce. But as the tournament is progressing it is now an even contest between the bat and ball.

* What made you join ICL, knowing the fact that the England and Wales Cricket Board was apprehensive in allowing its players to take part in the championship?
Maddy: Well, my experience has been spectacular till date. It is an innovative concept which has given a good chance to the cricketers from all over the world to share a common podium and perform. It would be wrong if I say that the money offered by the organisers wasn’t a major factor. Moreover, we are getting to play competitive cricket at this time, which happens to be an off season in county cricket. For sure my game would get better and I would be raring to go when the county games start in April. Yeah, ECB had some issues with England players joining the ICL, but due to the backing of Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) I went felt encouraged to play.

* How important was PCA’s role in this issue? Don’t you think it is high time the Indian players too had a body that safeguards players’ interest and represents them?
Maddy: All the credit goes to the PCA for convincing the ECB on the ICL issue. It is really sad to realise that the Indian domestic players of such talent won’t be representing their country anymore. There is an urgent need of a body such as PCA here in India for the benefit of the players.

* Do you think that your participation in the Championship will act as a deterrent to your cricket career?
Maddy: No at all, I am confident that my participation in the Indian Cricket League will not harm my future in the game.

* What are your thoughts on the Panchkula Stadium?
Maddy: The Stadium is an absolute stunner knowing the fact that it has been re-worked in just a month. The craze for the game in India is tremendous and it is visible when spirited spectators turn out to witness the ongoing matches. The electric atmosphere at the Stadium turns the heat on while playing.

It always feels great to play in India: Vikram Solanki

Panchkula : It’s Thursday morning in Panchkula and Vikram Solanki, in defiance of a famous description often used against him by Ian Botham in the commentary box, is out there for the fitness sessions scheduled for the day. In fact, one of the most illustrious county cricketers of Indian origin could not look more happy or content, as he wanders along the fairways of Tau Devi Lal Stadium, venue for the Indian Cricket League 20-20 Championship.After playing for Rajasthan in the 2006 season, the Worcestershire captain is now playing for Mumbai Champs in what is considered to be his second outing for a domestic side in his native country.

Excerpts from an interview

* You made your debut for Worcestershire as a 16-year-old in 1992. In 2005, you were appointed as the captain of the side. How has the experience with Worcestershire been?
I was fortunate to be picked for Worcestershire after playing for Wolverhampton Cricket Club. I still remember when I made to the Worcestershire; there were big players like Graeme Hick, Tom Moody and Chris Tolly, who were playing for the county at that time. I have always looked up to Graeme Hick, and he has been a huge influence in my stint with Worcestershire. The last couple of years have been very good for the club. We won the one-day Championship in 2006, and the club now also has got a new ground equipped with floodlights.

* After playing for England in the early part of this decade, you and Kabir Ali also played in the 2006 Ranji Trophy Super League representing Rajasthan. How did it come about, and how difficult was it playing in the domestic circuit in India?
Last year, both of us were free during the winter season, and I always dreamt about playing for my home side. The conditions are suited for the batsman in India, and it was a great learning experience for us. I got a chance to play against most of the big names in Indian cricket. It always feels great to play in India. And since it was my first tour to India as a cricketer, I have very fond memories of representing Rajasthan.

* Your career has seen quite a few highs and lows. After a disappointing debut for England in 2000, you were again recalled for England in 2003. You started gloriously, hitting a sparkling century against South Africa at The Oval. But after that, you have been on the fringes of the England squad. Where do we see you in the coming years?
The last few years have been good for me. I remember that I got a score of 24 as my highest score in my first eight ODI’s, and I was quite ordinary in the field. But after that I have worked on my fitness level. I think I am having my best time of my career with Worcestershire. Although I was picked up for the Twenty-20 World Cup held in South Africa early this year, I think I need to perform better to stage a comeback into the England squad.

* After playing in Twenty-20 version of the game for the last three years in England, how does it feel to play in Twenty20 cricket in India? And what are your views about the Indian Cricket league?
Twenty-20 Cricket has revolutionised domestic cricket in England. The kind of crowd support it has got over the last three years has been tremendous, and I enjoy being a part of it. I have been working on my bowling to adapt to this format of the game, and I expect I can be of some help for my team, Mumbai Champs. We have already seen plenty of action in Indian Cricket League, and I think this format of game will generate a lot of interest in India too.

Lots of issues to be discussed: Gary Kirsten

MUMBAI : Since the news of his Monday night interview with the BCCI became official, former South Africa opener Gary Kirsten has been inundated with calls from the media. “I have had plenty of calls. I have tried to answer quite a few,” joked Kirsten as he took time off for an interview with TOI . Excerpts:

How did this interview happen?

About two weeks ago, I got a call from a member of the BCCI asking me if I was interested.

What was your first reaction?

I was pleasantly surprised when I got the call. But I considered it as a huge honour because right from my playing days I believed that I had a lot to offer. That (BCCI) call just gave me a sense of confidence that they had belief in my credentials.

Was coaching a national side always on your mind?

I run my own coaching academy in South Africa and have been with Cricket South Africa (CSA) as a high performance manager. So coaching a national side was always something I wanted to do down the line.

Have you finalised any agreement with the BCCI? Is it likely that you could join the side in Australia only mid-way through the tour?

We have a lot of issues to discuss and both sides will get back in a week’s time. I have to sort out a number of longstanding commitments and the date of my joining is something that is yet to be decided. I have two young kids, so have a lot to decide.

Did you get a chance to speak to skipper Anil Kumble?

Anil and I did have a chat. We have played a lot against each other. So it was an easy discussion around the team and current scenarios. There was nothing specific about it.

Have you been keeping a track of the Indian team’s performances in recent times?

I have been watching them. They have got a very experienced side and was very impressed with what they have done. I was particularly impressed with the Twenty20 performance where young players showed they could handle the pressure at the highest level.

What has struck you most about the Indian team?

I think it has a fantastic structure with a number of senior players at the core of the team. They have done well without a coach and it is now for me to add some value and continue the good work.

Did you do any sort of research before you came to India? Or was it all about your own experience?

Most of what I know about India is drawn from my experience as a player. I am aware of Indian cricket, its culture and the way people follow it passionately over here. I have been fortunate that I have toured India four times. So I have a fairly good understanding of the country. If I do take up the offer, I will continue to research and learn.

Would it have been easier, if you had taken over ‘at home’ rather than in Australia?

Again I must reiterate that there has been no final decision on my appointment. But we all know Australia will be a tough tour. They (Australia) have a great cricket side. In fact, it will be a clash of two great sides. It will be a tremendous challenge to add some value. If the side performs well and that is what you will be measured against.

What will your basic role with the Indian team?

Well, it is really to optimise the performance scale and put it on the upward curve. If I am able to do that atleast for 70 to 80 per cent then it will be very good. The good thing is India have a lot of Test cricket coming up and going on to win those series will be my objective. Getting up everyday and working on all the different aspects will be my job.

What is your best moment of playing in India?

There are many, but one that I remember most is the double hundred in the 1996 Kolkata Test. That was one of the highlight of my career. Playing at Eden Gardens was a tremendous experience. Everyone must get an opportunity to play there.

‘Players demoralised by the present system’ : Atapattu

Marvan Atapattu retired from international cricket at the end of Sri Lanka’s Test series in Australia. A technically correct batsman, he finished his Test career with an average just below 40 and was instrumental in the team’s revival after he took over as captain in 2004. However, a back injury in 2006 saw him increasingly sidelined, and losing the captaincy to Mahela Jayawardene. His career ended in less than happy circumstances: he just might end up being more remembered for calling the selectors – with whom he had a series of spats – a “set of muppets headed by a joker” before calling it quits.

Atapattu, now headed to India to lead the Delhi Jets in the Indian Cricket League, spoke to Sa’adi Thawfeeq.

What made you retire from international cricket so suddenly?
Two main reasons: I did not wish to continue in a system where I don’t have faith and belief, and two, I wanted to give an opportunity to a suitable youngster who is coming through.

Was it the situation with the national selectors that forced your decision?
It wasn’t a sudden decision. I had been giving thought to it. The tour of Australia, I thought, was a good time. It’s always good to go out on a high. I had indicated to the previous administration and selectors that, had everything gone according to plan before I got injured, I was to retire from Test cricket after the 2006 tour of England and after leading Sri Lanka in the 2007 World Cup.

What are your immediate plans? Your name has been linked with the ICL, and also there have been reports of you playing club cricket in Sydney and doing television commentary for Channel Nine during Sri Lanka’s one-day triangular in Australia in January.
ICL has been finalised. I am on contract with them till December 18. I am captaining a team from Delhi. The Sydney club and TV commentator matters are still on the surface at this stage. There is nothing in black and white. There are opportunities if things fall into place. I still believe I’ve got two to three years of cricket left in me.

How will you reflect back on your career?
It has not been a rosy start, but to come all the way and to captain your country and score more than 14,000 runs in both forms of the game – you couldn’t ask for more. The principles I had, playing over 18 years for Sri Lanka – I’d rather be remembered for them than the runs and records. I am a person who spoke and worked straight or made an effort to do that.

Considering the start you had to your Test career and to finish with an average of almost 40 with six double-centuries … how would you rate yourself as a batsman?
It is up to the public and the media to assess my performances. From my point of view, after 17-18 ducks from 90 Tests, if I can still average nearly 40, I have done pretty well. My fifties were almost on par with my hundreds. I believe that if you get a start, you go on and get a big one. That’s my attitude. Maximise when you can.

What would you want to be remembered as?
If I have given somebody entertainment over the years in my own way, that’s the satisfaction I get. Staying in a system for 17 years you get your fair share of compliments and criticism. Constructive criticism I don’t mind.

What were your most memorable moments?
Being part of the 1996 World Cup winning squad. Scoring 132 at Lord’s to win the Emirates Cup one-day final in 1998. Scoring my maiden Test century in Mohali. Sourav Ganguly walked up to me and said the first hundred is very hard to come by but after that you will know how to make a hundred. How true.

Your biggest disappointments?
My biggest disappointment was having an [back] injury and losing the captaincy. To have captained the 2007 World Cup team and quit from cricket would have been a dream. But God has given me more than enough.

How would you rate Mahela Jayawardene as a captain?
He is good. In time to come he will get better. Everybody has his own way of leading and it shows in their personality.

What contribution did you make as captain?
I tried out a couple of things, starting with senior players taking on more responsibility to finish matches off rather than leave it to others. What we lacked as senior players was at the top of the order we didn’t finish the job as expected. Over the years it has changed. With the competition you have in world cricket, you don’t sit comfortably on past performances but always look to raise the bar.

What did you tell your team-mates in the final speech you made in the Hobart dressing room before you announced your retirement?
I told them that we had enough talent in the room and it was a matter of putting heart and soul into it if you want to achieve anything. As individuals, by the age of 20-25 you’ve got to stand on your own feet and know how to handle situations. You’ve got to have your say because you owe it to cricket, because cricket has changed your lifestyles. Over the years we have come a long way in cricket and made a name in the world. We cannot go downhill.

What needs to be done to keep Sri Lankan cricket on top?
The school and domestic structures leading up to Test cricket need to be streamlined in a way similar to Australia so that players don’t feel the transition from domestic to Test cricket. The entire process of selection, in my view, is highly subjective. An objective selection process needs to be adopted. Personal feelings and vested interests should be set aside and cool judgements made. For that to happen, the selection committee should constitute of honourable personalities with cricketing knowledge and administrative ability. We presently lack this. The concept today is, ‘Show me the man and I will show you the rules.’

Who was your best Sri Lanka cricketer?
In bowling nobody can match [Muttiah] Muralitharan. He is nearing the world record but still keeps on working hard at his game. This has been the success story for him. In batting there is no one to match Aravinda de Silva. The amount of time he spent at the nets and at physical training was unbelievable. I only saw six or seven years of Aravinda but his commitment was fantastic. His thinking on the game was out of this world. [Kumar] Sangakkara ranks close to him.

The best bowler you faced in world cricket?
All bowlers tend to give you a torrid time. But for consistency Wasim Akram has to be one.

Do you think Sri Lanka has enough players to replace the likes of you, Sanath [Jayasuriya], Murali and [Chaminda] Vaas?
It is the responsibility of the selectors to groom players to take over. I don’t think they have planned it right. Cricket cannot suffer because of one or two people. No cricketer or the cricketing public has openly stated that what I’ve said about the national selectors was wrong. It is not something new; I have expressed this to many differently, but this time I was more emphatic and I hope what I said of the selectors will ring a bell with the authorities concerned and changes [are] made for the betterment of the game. I do stand by what I have said and I don’t think it has tarnished mine or my country’s image in any way, although elements with vested interest are attempting to paint a different picture to what I have said. How many players have confidence with the present selection committee? I have spoken to some of them and they are demoralised by the present system. It is sad that they cannot talk and are tongue-tied by contracts.

I will relish the challenge: Kumble

Only the third spinner after Bishen Singh Bedi and S Venkataraghvan to become the captain of Indian team, Anil Kumble says as a bowler he knows the “subtleties” of the game well and can use that knowledge while leading the country in Test matches.

In an exclusive interview to PTI, Kumble said he is aware of the responsibility associated with the job and captaincy has come at a time in his career when he can “relish the challenge.”

Kumble also feels that the newfound aggression in the young Indian team was always there.

Regarded as a fighter on the field, the 37-year-old sees nothing wrong in the younger lot showing their emotions on the ground.

India’s most successful bowler speaks about the new challenge, his expectations from the team and the forthcoming three-match Test series against Pakistan.

Interview

Q: Nice Diwali gift for you?
A: I think it has come on a nice auspicious day. It is a nice feeling.

Q: Was it a surprise to you?
A: I don’t think it was a surprise. People were discussing about me as a contender. There was lot of discussions happening. Yeah, I mean it was only after actually Sachin pulled out that the likelihood of they (selectors) looking at me as a captain happened.

Q: Do you feel that Test captaincy coming after 17 long years has happened too late towards the fag end of your career?
A: Better late than never. I think it has come at a time when I think I can relish this challenge. I ensure that I go out there and enjoy my cricket and enjoy being captain of India.

Q: Do you think the selectors have gone for a stopgap arrangement?
A: No, I haven’t really sat down and spoken to them. I really don’t know what they have in mind. So it’s a bit too early for me to say anything on that.

Q: Do you hope to continue as captain for the forthcoming Australian tour and also the home series against South Africa early next year?
A: I would like to take one step at a time. So I still have not really sat down with the selectors and found out what exactly they have in mind. But I’m sure that will happen very soon.

Q: You are the 30th captain and third spinner after Bishen Singh Bedi and Venkatraghavan in Indian Test cricket? How does it feel?
A: I think it’s a great challenge for a bowler to be captain of India and it is not looked at very positively in India for some strange reasons. I am happy that the selectors and the people have shown a lot of faith in me and I hope to live up to those expectations. As a bowler I understand the subtleties of the game. Hopefully I would be able to use that knowledge when it comes to captaining.

Q: As a captain what are your expectations from the Indian team now?
A: I don’t think expectations would change as a player or as a captain. We have discussions and people who have played the game for long definitely express their views in a team meeting and I don’t see that changing much. But the expectations would be to ensure that we are consistent. We try and build a team that will be consistent over a period of time.

Q: How do you see this newfound aggression in Team India now? Do you feel this Indian team after their T20 success has transformed?
A: I think we’ve always been aggressive. I don’t think Team India has found any new aggression after T20 triumph. It’s just that there has been a lot of presence on the field. I mean it’s just that the younger lot shows flare and emotions on the field, which is good.

Q: Personally have you set any target now that you have 566 Test wickets, third behind Shane Warne (708) and Muttiah Muralitharan (702)?
A: Absolutely none. I just want to go out and enjoy my game and ensure that I contribute to the team’s success, to whatever I was doing before. I would like to continue that if not better whatever I was doing. It’s important for me to ensure that we win every time we go out, that’s the personal target and team goal.

Q: How do you see this Pakistan team touring India now?
A: They have a good side. They have always done well whenever they have played us and we respect that. I think we have the potential and the team to win. I am hopeful and pretty confident that we will be able to do that.

Q: In Inzamam’s absence, post-retirement, do you see India holding an upperhand?
A: I think Inzy is a great player. It is very difficult to replace a player like him within a matter of couple of matches. But having said that Pakistan still have Md Yousuf and Younus Khan while Misbah-ul-Haq looks pretty good and then they have Shoaib Malik. (Shahid) Afridi and Salman Butt can be dangerous. So they still have a pretty good batting order. It will be an evenly contested series.

‘Pak team has always wanted to play in Mumbai Says Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram tells about the Pak team’s request to L K Advani in 1999 that they be allowed to play in Mumbai, Andrew Symonds’ “over-reaction” to monkey chants and India and Pak’s major cricket issues.

The India-Pak Test series starts in a few days. Who do you think has the edge?
A lot depends on who wins the oneday series. The teams will also change. India will have a new captain who hasn’t played at all for many months.

Is that going to be a problem?
I would have certainly made Dhoni the captain. It is said ‘he should not have too much on his plate.’ I don’t know where this dialogue has come from; we never heard such things when we were playing. He’s 26, the right time to be captain is now. And if he’s doing well now, why not allow him to lead? Some players are better players under pressure; Dhoni is one of them. They (the selectors) probably thought, let’s wait, because Australia mein maar khane ke chances hain, and if they lose, his confidence might be hit. In fact Australia would have been the right place for Dhoni. A captain learns when his team is not doing well, not when his team is doing well. I hope Kumble is a short-term arrangement as captain.

Kumble may be retained captain for the Australia tour too.
A new captain will face a lot of pressure in Australia. Kumble’s fielding too is not good, he’s 37; that will put more pressure on him. And if the captain is under pressure, the entire team will be under pressure. Australia knows this.

Talking of slow-movers, Shoaib Akhtar has looked unfit in the one-day series…
Of course he is not looking fit. He is rusty and has not played cricket for six months. But with every game he’s getting better. Hopefully he’ll stay fit for the Test matches. This is his last hurrah. If gets injured or does something off the field, it will be bye-bye for him.

How is it that he just keeps doing something off the field?
I ask this question to him every time, and every time, he promises me he won’t do it again!

India and Pakistan have been playing frequently of late, and that has made cricket look normal. An incident like the exchange between Shahid Afridi and Gautam Gambhir could’ve become big earlier, when tensions were greater. Isn’t it true that the more we play, the more normal our cricket will become?
India and Pakistan should play once in three years. But of course the Cricket Boards want to make money, so they won’t let it happen! If we play once in two-three years, the level of interest will remain high; if we play every year, the contest will become like any other.

There has been a lot of debate in India about three senior Indian players that you played against. There have even been calls to drop them.
The seniors can still play well. They are only 33. Two of them are very fit…

You mean Sachin and Dravid?
(Laughs) I’m not saying anything. Mera dost tha bada woh teesra bhai
(The third one — Ganguly — was my good friend). All of them are getting runs. Rahul got dropped and got a 200. People were saying ‘drop Sachin and Ganguly,’ and they came back with a bang. There’s a lot of cricket left in them. You can’t drop them, otherwise Twenty20 mein toh fluke lag gayaa, but try playing without them in the other forms of the game and you’ll know.

You think India’s victory in the T20 World Cup was a fluke?
Twenty20 itself is fluke cricket. I can play it even today. The ball arrives, and you have to just hit it. No technique, nothing. But it’s fun.

Of the seniors, Sachin Tendulkar has got out six times in the 90s this year. Do you think he has been nervous in the 90s?
Sachin has just been unlucky, and I don’t think it matters much to him at this stage of his career. For me it’s good he’s getting 90-plus; if he gets it in every game, India is always going to win. If your opener gets 90-plus, it means the team is going to get 280-290, and that’s what is happening. So he’ll be disappointed and yet also be happy because in the end, the team will win. The good thing is, he’s batting aggressively. That’s the way it should be, because whenever he’s playing shots, he is more dangerous. If he continues to bat like this, bowlers will want to run away from him. He should open in one-dayers and play his normal shots.

Why is it that the infighting in Pakistan cricket never ends? There was the Mohd Asif-Shoaib Akhtar incident some time ago, and in this series too, there have been reports of a fight between Younis Khan and Shahid Afridi.
Yes, sometimes there are differences of opinion, though I don’t know what’s happening in the dressing room now. But I assure you that whenever they are on the field, they play for the team. That’s what we did.

Like you and Waqar?
(Laughs) Yeah, yeah, that’s what I and Waqar did.

Pakistan has always had good fast bowlers, and you are considered by many the best leftarm pacer ever. India has got three good left-arm bowlers now. What is your assessment of them?
The three will do well in the subcontinent because the ball reverseswings. They are different. R P Singh is bowling well and has been impressive, Irfan is good at changing his pace, and now Zaheer is a different bowler than he was earlier. They’re being effective because they are changing their directions all the time — sometimes bowling over the wicket and sometimes round the wicket. But India will struggle in Australia with the same attack. That’s why they have to give confidence to Sreesanth, because he’s in the middle of the three left-armers.

Sreesanth, like Afridi, keeps doing a lot of controversial things on the field.
He can do all the drama he wants to do, but ultimately, he will have to take wickets to be effective.

You only played in Mumbai once.
In 1989.

After that, Mumbaikars missed the chance of seeing you running in to bowl.
Of course I missed playing in Mumbai. The entire Pakistan team has always wanted to play in Mumbai. I remember we landed at the airport in 1999, and [the then Deputy Prime Minister and Union Home Minister] L K Advani came to see us at the hotel. He said, “Tum logon ko kya chahiye?” Saeed Anwar replied at once, “We want to play a match in Mumbai. In 1999 we were not allowed to come to Mumbai because of opposition from the Shiv Sena.

In the same year, the team led by you got a standing ovation in Chennai after winning.

I can never forget that standing ovation. I think the crowd across India is cricket-loving.

Andrew Symonds won’t agree.

I could not believe his complaints. If four people out of one billion have said something to him, toh kucch nahin hua yaar (nothing has actually happened). Humko Australia mein kitni awaazein lagti hain (We hear so much in Australia!). The whole thing wasn’t a big deal; Symonds made a big deal out of it. Cricket knowledge is huge in the sub-continent, and you have a full house even for a Test match. What else do you want? There are no full houses in Australia.

Do you think the rebel cricket league will succeed?

The Indian Board has launched its own league now. Tell me, if there are current players playing in one tournament and retired ones in another, which one will you want to watch? (Smiles) I rest my case.

As a bowler I know the subtleties of the game: Kumble

BANGALORE : Only the third spinner after Bishen Singh Bedi and S Venkataraghvan to become the captain of Indian team, Anil Kumble says as a bowler he knows the ’subtleties’ of the game well and can use that knowledge while leading the country in Test matches.

In an exclusive interview, Kumble said he is aware of the responsibility associated with the job and captaincy has come at a time in his career when he can ‘relish the challenge’.

Kumble also feels that the new-found aggression in the young Indian team was always there.

Regarded as a fighter on the field, the 37-year-old sees nothing wrong in the younger lot showing their emotions on the ground.

India’s most successful bowler speaks about the new challenge, his expectations from the team and the forthcoming three-match Test series against Pakistan.

Q: Nice Diwali gift for you?

A: I think it has come on a nice auspicious day. It is a nice feeling.

Q: Was it a surprise to you?

A: I don’t think it was a surprise. People were discussing about me as a contender. There were lot of discussions happening. Yeah, I mean it was only after actually Sachin pulled out that the likelihood of they (selectors) looking at me as a captain happened.

Q: Do you feel that Test captaincy coming after 17 long years has happened too late towards the fag end of your career?

A: Better late than never. I think it has come at a time when I think I can relish this challenge. I ensure that I go out there and enjoy my cricket and enjoy being captain of India.

Q: Do you think the selectors have gone for a stop-gap arrangement?

A: No, I haven’t really sat down and spoken to them. I really don’t know what they have in mind. So it’s a bit too early for me to say anything on that.

Q: Do you hope to continue as captain for the forthcoming Australian tour and also the home series against South Africa early next year?

A: I would like to take one step at a time. So I still have not really sat down with the selectors and found out what exactly they have in mind. But I’m sure that will happen very soon.

Q: You are the 30th captain and third spinner after Bishen Singh Bedi and Venkatraghavan in Indian Test cricket? How does it feel?

A: I think it’s a great challenge for a bowler to be captain of India and it is not looked at very positively in India for some strange reasons. I am happy that the selectors and the people have shown a lot of faith in me and I hope to live up to those expectations. As a bowler I understand the subtleties of the game. Hopefully I would be able to use that knowledge when it comes to captaining.

Q: As a captain what are your expectations from the Indian team now?

A: I don’t think expectations would change as a player or as a captain. We have discussions and people who have played the game for long definitely express their views in a team meeting and I don’t see that changing much. But the expectations would be to ensure that we are consistent. We try and build a team that will be consistent over a period of time.

Q: How do you see this new-found aggression in Team India now? Do you feel this Indian team after their T20 success has transformed?

A: I think we’ve always been aggressive. I don’t think Team India has found any new aggression after T20 triumph. It’s just that there has been a lot of presence on the field. I mean it’s just that the younger lot show flare and emotions on the field which is good.

Q: Personally have you set any target now that you have 566 Test wickets, third behind Shane Warne (708) and Muttiah Muralitharan (702)?

A: Absolutely none. I just want to go out and enjoy my game and ensure that I contribute to the team’s success, to whatever I was doing before. I would like to continue that if not better whatever I was doing. It’s important for me to ensure that we win every time we go out, that’s the personal target and team goal.

Q: How do you see this Pakistan team touring India now?

A: They have a good side. They have always done well whenever they have played us and we respect that. I think we have the potential and the team to win. I am hopeful and pretty confident that we will be able to do that.

Q: In Inzamam’s absence, post-retirement, do you see India holding an upperhand?

A: I think Inzy is a great player. It is very difficult to replace a player like him within a matter of couple of matches. But having said that Pakistan still have Md Yousuf and Younus Khan while Misbah-ul-Haq looks pretty good and then they have Shoaib Malik. (Shahid) Afridi and Salman Butt can be dangerous. So they still have a pretty good batting order. It will be an evenly-contested series.

‘I went to the cricket match like any other spectator’ : deepika Padukone

She has the look and attitude – qualifications required for apun ka pictures ka heroine. So, you know she is the daughter of tennis champ Prakash Padukone, has moved from Bangalore to Bombay to become the numero uno model.. and then yuppy-dedo parachuted into the movies, nixing more projects than you and I have toes and fingers.
 
Why? Because she was selected by Farah Khan to debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan – a role that was once being tipped for Priyanka Chopra.

Jo bhi hai, the striking looking Miss D P has consumed solid news column space because of her proximity – that sounds better than ‘closeness’, doesn’t it? – with Nihar Pandya. He’s said to be her pehla pehla pyaar and is a showbiz aspirant himself..

Then there were rumours about clubbing with Ranbir Kapoor. And then a joint decision was taken to stay apart till their different debut films release, on November 9. Aah, there’s a worth-investigating story of judaai here.

Really, who could have played the fuming Emperor Akbar to this potential Prince and the Showgirl love story? Not Sanjay Leela Bhansali hopefully, no no can’t be.. he doesn’t talk or look like Prithviraj Kapoor, any which way. He’s made a Hum Dil De Chuke Sonam, hasn’t he?

Then our Deepika jale kahin dil was linked – how much itihaas I’m giving you guys – with Mahendra Singh Dhoni, then Yuvraj Singh..

Believe me, I know she’s not the sort who’ll give me spicy dum aloo answers to questions at this point of her life and career. But as many journos say, “Poochhne me kya vaanda hai.” Bole to..

News is that Nihar Pandya will be accompanying you to the Om Shanti Om premiere in London.
(Pause) I wouldn’t know about this. But he was present at one of the Om Shanti Om events.

He was with your father.
He was there because Shah Rukh and Farah had invited him.

Ranbir Kapoor’s Saawariya is releasing on the same day as Om Shanti Om. Will you wish him luck?
I wish the entire team of Saawariya all the best. I think we have worked hard and so have they. But for me, my film is the most important thing in my life.. I believe we have made a fantastic movie.

Buzz is that you have invited Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the trial of Om Shanti Om.. when it happens.
I really haven’t thought of that. I went to the cricket match like any other spectator to cheer the entire team. I was watching a cricket match ‘live’ in the stadium after a very long time. If the team has the time to attend the trial show, I’ll definitely invite all of them.

Are you friendly with the entire team? Or only selected cricketers like Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh?
Well, I’ve met all of them. I also congratulated them since they’re doing a fantastic job as a team.

Since the last couple of months, you’ve been in the news for professional as well as personal reasons.
I’m completely used to that now. The kind of profession it is. Whoever opts to be a celebrity is bound to be in the public eye. Anything we do will be written and talked about. I’m prepared for that.

So you won’t mind being spotted with another actor?
Whether it’s going out with friends or acting in a certain movie, I’ll lead my life the way I want to.

Are you anxious.. or cool.. with eight days left for your debut movie?
Is that a question? I’m quite nervous and.. excited.

Have you seen the film?
No, not yet.

Are your parents happy with your decision of joining movies?
Obviously they are.

Are you recognised in public now?
Yes.. now I am.

Pakistan, Australia not unbeatable: Ganguly

MUMBAI : With just over a week to go before India take on Pakistan, TOI spoke to Sourav Ganguly, India’s captain in two of the last three series between the two sides. Ganguly exuded confidence that India could come through the next six months with a good show.

Excerpts

How would you look back at the recent Australia series?

They were a good side and we played well in patches. The final scoreline (4-2, Australia) was far more closer than it looked.

Any particular gain from this series?

It is difficult to say. Murali Kartik bowled very well in this series; it would have to be his bowling.

We have a tough season coming up, how do you view it?

Oh yes, it is going to be six months of tough cricket. We have to be fit, fresh and back ourselves. Pakistan, Australia and South Africa are good sides and it will be good to play them.

Pakistan will be without Inzamam-ul Haq (retired) and possibly Shoaib Akhtar (fitness, disciplinary etc). Does that mean we start favourites?

I think the only person they will miss is Inzamam, the rest will be available for sure. I don’t believe in this favourite tag, but yes we have played good consistent cricket over the last eight-nine months… Belfast, England, Twenty20 World Cup. So we will have the confidence. Moreover, I also think that we have the players to beat them.

The last two times we’ve played, Pakistan’s batsmen rattled up big scores. Do you see a change this time?

Last time they had Inzy, who is a big influence. Pakistan will find it difficult to fill up his spot. But even last year with him in the side we beat them 4-1 in the One-dayers, as also in 2004. Anyway, it is all about how well a side plays on that particular day.

Their Test attack has a very dangerous look with Shoaib and Mohammed Asif?

They have a good attack, Shoaib and Asif are a good pair. But it will be different and difficult as they will be playing in India.

Two of their batsmen — Younis and Yousuf — have been very prolific. Will they impact the series as well?

But we have beaten them even when they had Younis, Yousuf and Inzy in the side. And the last time they toured we didn’t lose the Test series it was 1-1. We were pretty unfortunate not to win the first Test at Mohali, after we won in Kolkata, we had just one bad Test (Bangalore). That too we were unlucky to lose. Anyway, the past has no meaning because it will be a fresh start.

Will the Pakistan series be the right preparation for the Australia tour?

Australia will be a different kettle of fish. It will always be good to win against them.

In 2003-04 we surprised Australia by playing well in Test matches. Can we repeat that this time?

It all depends on how well we play. There is no reason why we can’t do it this time as well. We have a good Test bowling line-up with Zaheer Khan, Sreesanth, RP Singh, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh and, now, Murali Kartik is also bowling well. A good attack is always the key to winning a Test match.

On the last tour it was our experienced batting line-up which batted them out of the series. Do you see a similar role for the senior batsmen this time?

We have an experienced middle-order and the batsmen are in very good form at the moment. It was because of our batting line-up we have been able to beat England recently in the Test series. No other side except Australia has managed that in the last seven years. But this of course is a new series.

The Aussies have started targeting each and every player. Are they affected by the fact that Indians are giving it back to them?

I don’t read too much into this talking bit. What is most important is what you do in the middle. When you play hard cricket a lot of things happen, but ultimately what you do in the middle counts.

Finally, will a Test series win in Australia be the most satisfying moment of your career?

Well there have been quite a few moments like playing well against Australia, winning the 2001 series against them (Aussies), and winning in Pakistan, reaching the World Cup final, two Champions Trophy finals and playing a part in a winning squad in England. Yes a series win in Australia will certainly add to it.