Print

[kban1]

SG speaks  -sounds positive. Don't think I agree with his viewpoint about the pull shot though. i think thats a shot he really should shelve till he is back in top nick, and even then use only sparingly. And to play it when he did play it in Karachi was irresponsible. Anyways, its a good read nonetheless ...

*************************************************************************************************************************
http://web.mid-day.com/sports/international/2006/february/130113.htm

'Play strokes, score runs'

   By: Debasish Datta
   February 4, 2006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Karachi: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly was a touch grateful and hateful as he prepared to leave Karachi yesterday. But he was sure of one thing — that he could make a comeback to the one-day squad.
He spoke to Mid Day about his gains and pains from the Pakistan series

Excerpts…

On his experience from the series…
I realised that I am fit for international cricket and that it’s not at all the end of the road for me. I can be as useful as I was and that I’m going to be back with more confidence.

On the continual dearth of runs…
I was playing well and I know I had the chance to make big scores, but lost it! But, that’s cricket and it can happen sometimes. You have to accept it.

On his improved ability to play Shoaib Akhtar…
I was more determined to prove once again that I can face pace well. I played in Australia, England and South Africa and scored runs there. The little adjustment in my stance, which was suggested to me by former Pakistan great Zaheer Abbas, helped me tremendously.

On the changes in his stance…
Zaheer Abbas offered me a few tips when we met in Pune recently. After that, I went back to Kolkata and practised it. I believe he made a similar suggestion to Mohammed Azharuddin too on the 1989-90 Pakistan tour, and it did wonders for him too. I was merely 17 then, but I’m grateful that over 15 years later he’s helped me too!

On his pull-shot in the first innings of the third Test at Karachi…
Some people may be of the opinion that had I not gone for that shot, I could have scored more runs. But you have to play strokes to make runs.
What happened was that the ball didn’t hit the bat where I wanted it to — the timing was not right. Otherwise, the same shot would have brought me runs.

On his batting position for the series against England…
I’ve already told the team management that if asked I’ll open the innings without any hesitation.
So, even if the team management decides to go with five bowlers, it’s fine with me.

On returning home rather prematurely…
These things are not in my hands. I will go to Kolkata and practice hard. Also, if Bengal plays some one-day games I will play there and prove myself once again.

But, I will toil hard and come back to the one-day side as well. I want to be there for the 2007 World Cup.
 ************************************************************************************************************************
 

[kingcool1432]

Zaheer abbas ?? What the heck is GC doing ? So much for professional life over personal life

[Blwe_torch]

For all the brou-ha ha..over GC..........our star batsman has to revive his own form thanks to Z!

[feverpitch]

Zaheer abbas ?? What the heck is GC doing ? So much for professional life over personal life

GC is busy getting GG to bowl, IKP to bat, and MK to do everything...    else...
Bachchu, strategy ka matlab jante ho?

[gouravk]

Indeed. These three might have far more to offer than SG. SO worth spending more time on them

[feverpitch]

Indeed. These three might have far more to offer than SG. SO worth spending more time on them

We'll wait and see... meanwhile... another collectible for blwe and jfk... hope they notice this...

[Sahir]

Guys,
There is absolutely nothing wrong with Ganguly going to Zaheer Abbas for batting tips.  Chappell was in Pakistan at the time and Abbas was in India.  And I seem to remember Ganguly going to seek out Greg Chappell in Australia when John Wright was coach.  It came off well, and the move was highly praised.  In fact, so impressed was Ganguly, that brief rendezvous led to Ganguly staunchly advocating Chappell's appointment as coach, citing Chappell's briilliant cricket brain.

[Blwe_torch]

I am archiving this.
For all their usefulness and utility...they have only sad losses to show!
Miandad said in his latest column....that India came to Pak with no planning whatsoever.
Imagine, for all the great coaching and strategising........we have to listen to this!

http://www.votegupta.com/cricketf2orum/index.php?topic=586.0