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| January 4, 2006 | Wednesday | Zilhaj 3, 1426 |
‘India capable of Pakistan challenge’
MUMBAI, Jan 3: India’s cricket manager for upcoming tour of Pakistan, Raj Singh Dungarpur, said the team is a well-knit squad and emphasised it was capable of meeting the challenges from across the border.
“India have a good captain in Rahul Dravid and an outstanding coach in Greg Chappell as well,” he said.
He said was a marginal difference between two teams and stressed if Pakistan were a good bowling side, India have a formidable batting line-up.
“I think this is first Indian team that has batsmen right up to No 11. We also have two left-handed, over-wicket bowlers in Zaheer Khan and Irfan Pathan which is crucial and could make a huge impact.
“I would also like to believe that key to success of series is pre-lunch session on first day. If Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag get stuck in we will enjoy the advantage,” added Dungarpur.
He emphasised on return of former India captain Saurav Ganguly and said he would like to see left-hander back in the team especially against Pakistan.
“Saurav is an outstanding talent and a beautiful player on off-side. If not selected in playing eleven, to my mind it would be first time that a former captain would be on reserve bench.
“That would be a pity. I empathise with him and understand he will be under tremendous pressure to perform and live up to expectations.”
Dungarpur said he is likely to discuss with PCB chief Shaharyar Khan on development of cricket in the sub continent.
When Shaharyar was at Cricket Club of India recently he had suggested India and Pakistan should be playing more frequently. “I would like to see A team of both countries contesting more often because there is huge talent at that level and over period of time they would be ready for bigger occasions.”—Agencies
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