Ganguly backs Sachin to play 2011 World Cup by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:

SC Ganguly

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DateLine: 8th March 2009

 

Master batsman Sachin Tendulkar, despite being dogged by injuries, should play in the 2011 World Cup, feels former India skipper Sourav Ganguly. "Sachin is quite capable of playing in the 2011 World Cup and he should play in it though the decision has to be entirely his," Ganguly told reporters at a promotional programme here.

 

Ganguly expressed concern over the recent terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. Asked whether Pakistan should be denied hosting rights of 2011 World Cup matches, Ganguly said, "The terror strike on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore proves that Pakistan as of now is not safe for the game." The Kolkata Knight Riders captain, however, dismissed apprehensions of any terror threat to the Indian Premier League (IPL), saying, "It is completely safe and precautions are already underway for holding the matches.

 

"The Knight Riders will begin practice from March 16," he said. Describing the current Indian team led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni as a 'balanced' one, Ganguly said when he was captain, he often suggested the gifted wicketkeeper-batsman to go up in the batting order.

 

Ganguly said, "It is good that he has moved up the batting order and the decision is showing good results. He should give himself as many overs as he can in a limited over game." On opener Virender Sehwag, Ganguly said, "Veeru has always been a master blaster and continues to be so even today."

 

The former India captain termed South African Gary Kirsten as a good coach "though I did not have a long stint with him." When asked to name his favourite coach, Ganguly quickly recalled his association with New Zealander John Wright and said, "I played under his guidance for five years with good results." On Greg Chappell, with whom he had shared a strained relationship during his captaincy days, Ganguly said, "Things were not up to our expectations."