'Bengal cricket will benefit under Amarnath'

After a four-hour net session with the 1983 World Cup hero at the indoor facilities of Eden Gardens, Ganguly is all praise for the former India all-rounder.

A day after newly appointed Bengal consultant Mohinder Amarnath showered praise on former India captain Sourav Ganguly, it was the turn of the Bengal left-hander to return the compliments.

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After a four-hour net session with the 1983 World Cup hero at the indoor facilities of Eden Gardens this morning, Ganguly was all praise for the former India all-rounder.

"Amarnath was a great Indian cricketer. There's a lot to learn from him in all departments. I'm sure the boys will learn a lot from him and Bengal cricket will definitely benefit from him," Ganguly told reporters after his interaction with the 57-year-old.

Ganguly today met Amarnath for the first time since he took charge yesterday.

Left out of the Rest of India squad for the Irani Trophy meant for probables for the Australia series, Ganguly, however, refrained from answering any questions related to his retirement which is doing the rounds following the latest snub by the Dilip Vengsarkar-led national selection panel.

"Please don't ask me anything on that..." was what Ganguly had to say.

Asked whether he would be available for Bengal in the Plate Division of the Ranji season beginning November 3, Ganguly, hoping to figure in the Test squad against touring Australia, said, "I am not in a position to talk about that... There has been no talks with CAB about this..."

Meanwhile, happy with Bengal Ranji probables preparation, Amarnath said, "I am very satisfied with the youngsters, who are raring to go... They are fit and in shape."

On Ganguly's availibility, Amarnath however said, "It's not my duty to speak to him regarding this. It's the CAB administration's job..."

Amarnath, who arrived in Kolkata yesterday to take charge as consultant of the Bengal team, had said, "Ganguly is the real comeback man..."