Dada's message for selectors

Sourav Ganguly talks to a bunch of reporters about contribution from senior players

Former Indian Captain Sourav Ganguly sent out a gentle message to selectors, urging them not to forget the contribution of seniors which looking to pick a team for the future. At an event in Hyderabad Sourav Ganguly said that he's still hoping for a re-call to the ODI squad. Ganguly told reporters that India have done very well since World Cup, thanks to seniors and juniors. Ganguly is hoping for a comeback even though he does not figure in Dhoni's plans.

On Wednesday (March 19), Dhoni once again re-ignited the juniors versus seniors debate by justifying his decision to omit seniors like Laxman, Ganguly and Dravid from the ODI squad. Earlier Sachin Tendulkar had also said the contribution of seniors should not be forgotten. However, Team India sources have told TIMES NOW that Dada's remarks are not aimed at Dhoni or anyone else in the team. Infact Team India sources say Dada's remarks only reflect his keeness to play ODIs.

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Ganguly eyeing ODI comeback

Ganguly eyeing ODI comeback

Kolkata: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Thursday said he was looking forward to playing one-day internationals (ODIs) if he is given a chance by the selectors. "I am looking forward to play in the ODIs again, but it is upon the selectors to choose," Ganguly said at a function here to confer upon him the young achiever's award by a chamber of commerce. Also Read: Dhoni demands appreciation, backing for his young team Asked if he was laying extra stress on his fitness, Ganguly said: "I have always tried to stay fit and the regime helps me to stay away from injuries." Ganguly was conferred the YLF (Young Leaders' Forum) Outstanding Young Achievers' Award by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in recognition of his contribution as a young achiever who made a difference to people's lives. The award ceremony became a platform for Ganguly to take a dig at his detractors as he felt the nomenclature of the honour recognises him as a 'young' person at a time when the youth versus experience debate rages on in the Indian cricket squad. "The word 'young' before the award is very special. I will surely get up tomorrow feeling better," he said. "In a country where there is such a huge debate on young (read youth) and experience it feels great to get an award with the word 'young' before it," he said. Also Read: Dhoni’s goat sacrifice triggers angry reaction | How a broken plank moulded Praveen Kumar's career In recent times, Ganguly has often faced the axe from the Indian team selectors due to their emphasis on newcomers. In the last series against Australia, Sourav Ganguly was dropped from the ODI side even after a phenomenal comeback in both forms of cricket. Ganguly said he was looking forward to playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders. However, he was not all focused on IPL right now and said: "Let the IPL begin first. I am sure I will enjoy my captaincy." Speaking about the forthcoming home series against South Africa, Ganguly sounded confident. He said it would be a good competitive series. Full Coverage: Indian Premier League | Formula One 2008 "The fact that South Africans are playing at home could weigh upon the performance," he said. Asked to pick the better South African bowlers, he said: "All the bowlers in their side are good. But we have played them before and it should not be difficult."