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Ganguly not scared of Shoaib's bouncers
"I have never been bowled out by a bouncer in my entire career," the Indian skipper, who has a distinct weakness against the rising ball, said.
As Pakistan prepare for a tour of the country, India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has said he is not scared of speedster Shoaib Akhtar's bouncers.
"I am not afraid of Shoaib's bouncers. These are part and parcel of the game to which one has to adjust," Ganguly, who has a distinct weakness against the rising ball, told Aaj Tak television.
"If you notice, I have never been bowled out by a bouncer in my entire career." the left-hander said in the "Sourav Ka Sixer" programme to be aired on Saturday and Sunday, little realising that a batsman cannot be bowled by a bouncer.
In a volte-face, Ganguly claimed Yuvraj Singh was "never considered for the opener's position", contradicting statements made by him last year.
"During the Pakistan tour (2004) when I was injured (for the first and second Test), Yuvraj played at the No 6 position, and when I returned he played No 7. His name was never considered for the opener's position," Ganguly said.
Ganguly had gone on record last year to say that Yuvraj was a better choice than Aakash Chopra, whose batting he described as slow.
Of the six Tests that Yuvraj has played, he opened the innings twice but scored just 15 runs, with eight as his highest.
Ganguly also backed Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir as the No 1 opening pair.
"Sehwag and Gambhir are our permanent opening pair. Sehwag is a great player. Gambhir has demonstrated great talent during all the Test matches that he has played," the skipper said.
Speaking about wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel, who has been replaced by Dinesh Karthik in the Test team, Ganguly termed his wicketkeeping as "excellent".
"Parthiv has done excellent wicketkeeping for the Indian team in spite of being just 17 years old. He played very well in both the Australia (2003-2004) and Pakistan tour (2004) in the toughest of conditions," he said.
"His performance dropped when he came back to India, because of which he was dropped. I have observed Parthiv from close quarters. I have great faith in him. I am quite sure that he will play for India in the future."
