NEW DELHI, Dec 23: Indian cricket selectors will decide on Saturday whether to recall former captain Saurav Ganguly for the tour of Pakistan. The 33-year-old batsman was axed nine days ago after contributing 40 and 39 in the second Test victory over Sri Lanka in New Delhi.

That decision sparked a national outcry over the treatment meted out to India’s most successful Test captain who was sacked in October due to a prolonged batting slump, poor fitness and a row with coach Greg Chappell.

Public demonstrations were held in Ganguly’s hometown Kolkata and the issue figured in the parliament, overshadowing India’s crushing 259-run victory in the final Ttest on Thursday to wrap up the three-Test series 2-0.

Chief selector Kiran More had said the claims of talented left-handed batsman Yuvraj Singh could no longer be ignored and it would be unfair to select Ganguly and then not play him.

The 24-year-old Yuvraj struck 77 not out and 75 in the last two Tests with Vangipurappu Laxman stroking 104, all but ending Ganguly’s hopes of rejoining Sachin Tendulkar and captain Rahul Dravid in the middle-order.

However, Ganguly met new Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sharad Pawar, a powerful federal minister, two days ago to trigger speculation he would be recalled and allowed to make an honourable exit.

Ganguly himself has vowed to fight to reclaim his place. Although his Ttest omission was widely slammed as ill-timed and as an insult to a player who led the country to 21 Test victories, many wonder how Ganguly can be accommodated in a settled side.

“Where is the place in the middle-order?” former chief selector Chandu Borde said on Friday. “It is very difficult for him to get it.

“If the Pakistan wickets are going to help fast bowlers, then they might look to take an extra seamer,” he said.

“Although Saurav is experienced, it will be a headache for the selectors.”

Ganguly received some encouragement from Tendulkar.

“There is still cricket left in him. I know him very well, he can still play,” said Tendulkar.—Agencies