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Ganguly wants consistency from Team
"Last year was a successful season for us. We have to follow it with another good season, that is how you become a strong and good side," Ganguly said.
Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly on Thursday cautioned his teammates not to rest on the laurels of the past season, saying the only way to become a strong side was to attain a high consistency rate.
Ganguly, who turned 32 on Thursday, said the biggest challenge for his team during the Asia Cup would be to get into the rhythm early after a nearly three-month break.
"It is an important season for us. Last year was a good and successful season for us. We have to follow it with another good season, that is how you become a strong and good side," Ganguly told reporters on the concluding day of the conditioning camp for Asia Cup probables.
"Consistency is important. Doing well in the coming season is of utmost importance for the team," he said.
Ganguly said it was natural for his players to be a little rusty after the break but it was important to settle down as quickly as possible.
"The important thing is that we have to settle down quickly because just like any other team we are coming out of a two-and-half-month lay-off. Getting the rhythm straight away is never possible, so it is a challenge for us to get into the rhythm and optimum level of confidence as quickly as possible."
On the home Test series against Australia later this year, the Indian captain said "this is the early part of the season and by the time the Australians come, we will be into the season."
Asked whether he expected a tough challenge from Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup, Ganguly said "it is always going to be tough since Sri Lanka will be playing at home and Pakistan is a good side. It is going to tough for all three sides when they compete against each other."
He, however, expressed confidence of a good show in the tournament, beginning next week, as the team was at full strength.
"I think after a long time, we are back in full strength. Considering this, we hope to do well in the Asia Cup."
The elegant left-hander said the return of Harbhajan Singh was a huge bonus for the team.
"Harbhajan back in the team is a huge bonus for us. As I said before, Anil Kumble had bowled the best way in his entire career.
"If Harbhajan can raise his standards on par with Kumble alongwith Zaheer Khan, Irfan Pathan and L Balaji, I am sure we will have an edge over the other teams and the advantage with these five attacking and wicket taking bowlers will be a bonus for any side," Ganguly said.
On whether the team would field four medium pacers in the Asia Cup matches, he said "it depends on the form of the batsmen, I do not want to change the winning combination which has been a success for the team.
"We have won important matches with seven batsmen. We may start with seven batsmen because one-day cricket is dependent on how deep your batting strength is. For the start, I think, we will continue with that combination," he said.
Ganguly said Geoffrey Boycott's tips to the players during the camp had helped them finetune their cricketing skills.
"I must say that Boycott was a great player and has so much of knowledge about the game. He definitely helped the players with their mindset and technique. Having such great people in the camp always helps," he said.
Asked if he had taken any resolution on his birthday, the captain said, "it is an important day in everyone's life not just mine. There's no such resolution. But, I hope we keep on improving. Hopefully, we can perform better as a team than what we did last year".
