Just before boarding the flight for what could be the make-or-break series for him, Sourav Ganguly on Saturday exuded confidence of performing to the best of his abilities in the gruelling series against Pakistan.
The former captain refused to comment on team manager Raj Singh Dungarpur's disparaging remarks that he was "laziest and possibly the worst fielder" in the team but said his recent performance in domestic matches will give him the confidence to do well in the series against the arch-rivals.
"I performed well in Ranji Trophy matches and will try to do well in the series against Pakistan. I am confident of doing well," he told reporters at the airport.
Refusing to comment on the controversies surrounding him, Ganguly said he just wanted to concentrate on the game.
"These things are not in my hands. My job is to play cricket and concentrate on the game. There will always be pressure while playing at the international level," he said.
The left-hander said that he has played enough cricket at the top level to be able to cope with the bad phase in international cricket.
{{/usCountry}}The left-hander said that he has played enough cricket at the top level to be able to cope with the bad phase in international cricket.
{{/usCountry}}"It is just a phase and it comes in every sportsperson's life. You just have to overcome it and fight it out. The future will be better," he said. More
"India performed well in the last series. We have been playing well. We will definitely do well in this series."
Besides Ganguly, three of his teammates -- vice-captain Virender Sehwag, Anil Kumble and Parthiv Patel -- left for Pakistan, two days later than the rest of the team as they were doing duty for their respective Ranji teams.
The Indian squad left for Lahore on Thursday and are currently playing a three-day warm-up game against Pakistan 'A'.
The Indians will play three Tests and five one-dayers during the 45-day tour which is their second visit across the border in as many years.