Mumbai, Nov 2: Sourav Ganguly is back in action, this time on the domestic circuit, representing Bengal once again in the Ranji Trophy. The former India captain believes this prestigious competition is the best platform for any aspiring Indian cricketer to make his mark and hone his skills.
In exclusive an interview with www.bcci.tv ahead of the Ranji Trophy 2011-‘12 season, Ganguly spoke about the tournament and the difference it has made to his career.
Having retired from international cricket, what prompts you to continue playing for Bengal on the domestic circuit?
When I finished playing [international cricket] in 2009, I did play that [Ranji] season afterwards because I was to play IPL; I was with KKR [Kolkata Knight Riders]. [Playing in this tournament] I got the opportunity to play cricket and also get ready for the IPL. You cannot go into a big tournament like the IPL [without preparation]. IPL is almost an international tournament. You cannot go into such a big tournament without any cricket, so it serves both our purposes. It serves my purpose and Bengal’s purpose as well. I am keen to play IPL this year as well and it will also help Bengal. Bengal needs a senior person in the middle in the four-day format because they haven’t done well in the [that] format in the last three- four years. As I said, it would help both them and me.
How has Ranji Trophy helped you improve as a cricketer?
I think it has helped everyone become a better cricketer […] whether it is me, Rahul [Dravid], Sachin [Tendulkar] or even in the past, greats like [Sunil] Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and all. All have come through the various stages of Ranji Trophy. It’s a platform that helps everyone. It has helped me in the past to get recognised, to play for the country and now at this stage, when I [have] finished playing for the country, to get ready for […] the IPL.
You made your first-class debut for Bengal way back in 1989-1990. Any cherished memories from the Ranji Trophy?
My first game for Bengal was memorable. We won the Ranji Trophy that year. It was my debut game in the Ranji Trophy final against Delhi and we won that. That was the first time and probably the last time [that] Bengal won a Ranji Trophy. I have played in three Ranji Trophy finals since then and two have been against Mumbai and one against UP. These are great memories for me. When I was out of the [Indian] team, I got a hundred against Rajasthan in a Ranji Trophy game and got picked again back for the 2006 tour of South Africa. So Ranji Trophy has [provided] terrific memories, right from my debut game till my comeback game.
How would you rate Bengal’s chances in the upcoming season?
It depends on how we play. It’s a tough season, Ranji Trophy is a big [competition] for everyone and you have to keep your form over a period of time; it’s not just a week or ten days or two weeks. It’s over a period of four-five months; by the time the final happens it’s February-March. So it depends on how consistent they are over a period of time.
How significant is the Ranji Trophy in an upcoming cricketer’s career?
That is the most important performance; that should be the most important criteria for playing for India. I think Ranji Trophy was and will be the best platform for any player to play for the country.
Any youngsters you are excited to play with and against in the Ranji season?
I will see. [It] depends on how well they play. At the present moment the season hasn’t started. If I get to see some young players other than from my own team, I will pass on the message to the people concerned.
What are your thoughts on Manoj Tiwary who will be leading Bengal?
He is a good player. He has got a terrific record in the Ranji Trophy but he has to translate this performance to the international level. He hasn’t got an opportunity. Unfortunately, the poor guys keeps playing one-off games every tour so I don’t think the time has come to judge him as a international player till he gets a complete series to perform. I am [not] a believer [in a] player just playing one game and not playing afterwards. Manoj, as a Ranji Trophy player, has been terrific and it is going to be another important season for him because if he performs well, if he gets a 100, he will be back in the [national] squad again.
