KOLKATA, Dec 24: News of Saurav Ganguly’s inclusion in the Test team for the tour of Pakistan on Saturday triggered celebrations in the former captain’s hometown of Kolkata.

A crowd gathered outside the left-hander’s residence in a southwest suburb, chanting “long live cricket, long live Saurav”, and distributing sweets in celebration.

Ganguly even came out to greet his fans.

“I’m very happy to be back in the team,” Ganguly told reporters later.

“I’ll give my best. It is going to be a good series. Both are strong teams,” the 33-year-old said.

Asked if this would be his last chance, the former captain said, “I don’t know, I can’t answer that.”

Ganguly was axed 10 days ago after scoring 40 and 39 in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Delhi, which the hosts won by 188 runs, missing the series clinching third Test in Ahmedabad which ended on Thursday.—Reuters