Ganguly should open in the World Cup: Vengsarkar

The chief of selectors feels that Sourav can grind the bowling effectively and that "there was no question of Sachin Tendulkar being dropped".

Chief cricket selector Dilip Vengsarkar has said that Sourav Ganguly should open the innings at World Cup and that "there was no question of Sachin Tendulkar being dropped".

HT Image

"I only have to say that if you see Ganguly, he played very well at Nagpur and he is going for opening. I hope that he will do even better. For the World Cup, I feel that he should open because he is a good opening batsman," Vengsarkar said.

"Sourav can always score runs and grind the bowling also at the same time. He can also play a good attacking game. I do hope that he will play very well at the World Cup also," the former Indian captain said.

Ganguly made 98 at Nagpur against the West Indies last week, his first one-dayer in more than 15 months.

The 'Prince of Kolkata' had earlier made a successful return to the Test side on the tour of South Africa, emerging as the highest run getter for the Indians.

Vengsarkar said Tendulkar, who broke a lean patch with a half-century in third ODI in Chennai yesterday, was perhaps struggling to match his own expectations.

"I want to tell you that he is one of the best cricketers in the world," he said in an interview.

About India's chances at the World Cup in the Caribbean in March-April, Vengsarkar said, "there are a few shortcomings in the team. We would have to improve a lot in fielding and bowling, if we have to win the World Cup."

On the inconsistent batting performance of the top order, Vengsarkar said, "I think we have to adapt to different conditions. Our cricketers have been playing for 10 years or so, but they have not adapted and not shown application. If they show their application they can score well.