Terming the job of Indian cricket captain as the toughest in world sport, Sourav Ganguly says losing the coveted post itself hurt him less than being dropped as a player.
Ganguly says he has achieved almost everything as captain whereas he believed he still had a lot to offer as a player in the Indian team.
"Losing the captaincy did not hurt me much because I don't think I would have achieved any more as a captain'" he said.
"I captained 50 Test matches for India and nearly 160 one-day games, I think that's quite a bit, but I still feel I can be a part of this team and contribute successfully. Obviously, not getting a place as a player was difficult," Ganguly said.
Ganguly, India's most successful captain with 21 Test wins, said he longed to play for India.
"I'd never missed a series in the last 11 years, the first series I missed was when England toured India," said the 33-year old Kolkattan, here to play for Northamptonshire on a two-month contract.
"It is difficult when you have played non-stop for 11 years but that's the way it is."
{{/usCountry}}"It is difficult when you have played non-stop for 11 years but that's the way it is."
{{/usCountry}}The Prince of Kolkata said winning the World Cup and a few personal milestones would be his motivation to return to international cricket.