"Only Sachin an automatic selection"

by S M January 18, 2009

"This holds true for everyone with the only exception being Sachin Tendulkar ... Getting dropped and picked is a part and parcel in everyone's life," Sourav Ganguly said.

"I was not happy and very disappointed with the turn out of events (in 2005)," he said.

"There were players like Harbhajan (Singh) and (Virender) Sehwag who stood up and then had to face the brunt of getting dropped. I knew something wrong was happening at the selection," he said.

"Remember those are the players who are still the match winners ... It's important for a captain to generate trust among your players, who stand up in the difficult times. When you win matches everybody will go overboard, but when you are not doing well it's your players who support you.”

"But I had already played 400 matches by then (2005). In fact, I had given up at one point of time. But all my family members, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and the people here supported me a lot. “

"I knew by getting disappointed and sitting at home won't get me a place in the team. So I had to take the grind," Ganguly said.

"The CAB and the staff had provided me with all the facilities required to be successful cricketer.”

"Lot of players retire with the Indian cricket team. But I consider myself fortunate to finish as a player with Bengal. It's been an honour to be part of the Bengal cricket team," he added.

"It was a very crucial game for Bengal. I congratulate the entire team, the coach and the manager for doing a wonderful job this year. I know it's tough to get back to Elite Division from Plate. It's not a small achievement."

"Getting into Elite again after we lost about seven players to Indian Cricket League (ICL) is a big achievement. I wish them all the best in future years. It's not just going into Elite again, you have to do the best. Trying to emulate what Mumbai have achieved over the last 38 years. I am sure you have the quality to do so."

"It gives me immense pleasure this evening to stand in the middle of Eden Gardens. I have spent my entire life on this ground. I played my first match, perhaps at the age of 13, when I was asked to play a friendly against Orissa for Bengal U-15.”

"It's been a long 22 years since then." he added, "I consider myself privileged and lucky to play every form of cricket on this green park. Right from U-15 to Test cricket ... To captain Bengal and India on this very ground. I can't remember having lost a Test match at this venue. It's another honour which I will cherish all through my life."

He said, "I didn't know about it till my father told me after I returned from my tuition.”

"He asked me about the match and I said yes I am in the playing XV. But he said 'you are in the XI.' I was happy and in the excitement I did not inquire who was dropped.”

"Only at night my mother told me that my elder brother was dropped. It didn't affect me as I was very excited but later I realised that my brother was disappointed.”

"But then we won the Ranji Trophy and he again made a comeback ... everything became normal." Ganguly said.

"I wish my dad was here. He has being a part of the association for very long time. I wish he was here to give me the award. My family members are attending him at the hospital. I thank my family members during my initial years and my last thank you to everyone. You have been a huge support."