Much has been said about Gangulys victories as being the redeeming factor for him
being in the Indian cricket team. What most people forget is that these victories have
been set up by brilliant, tough, hard working individuals like Sehwag, Tendulkar,
Kumble, Laxman and Dravid. Gangulys part in these victories has been so far to
claim the winning trophies and smile during photo-op sessions. His contributions
while batting is pathetic and everyone knows about his ’’fantastic’’(sic) fielding prowess. He has not been bowling and the only bowling acheivements have been in Toronto, some 5 years ago.
There is a saying that form is temporary and class is permanent. If it is true, then 2.5 years are too long a duration to lose form. If Sourav were a class player, he would have regained him form long back. In many cases, a youngster’s career doesn’t even span 2.5 years years. Considering this, Sourav has just been a tourist in the Indian team, depriving other talented young cricketers’ of thier rightful place in ODIs.
His test average looks decent enough and he has performed well against South
Africa, New Zealand. If he proves his fitness and good form during domestic
matches, he may be considered for a place in tests. But from the future point
of view and now that there are so many young guns waiting in wings like Dhoni,
Kaif, Raina, giving him chance would deprive these people a career and cause
India a greater long term damage. So he mustn’t be selected for any future team
from India.
Even from fielding point of view, he doesn’t bring anything new to the table.
He is one of the slowest fielders in the Indian team and many a times, he has
shocked by providing security escort to the ball on its way to the boundary,
dropping sitter catches. It is a mockery and insult to others to compare him
in fielding with Kaif, Dhoni, Raina and Yuvraj.
His recent outbursts against the Indian coach, his egotistic attitude
exemplified by reports of his asking younger players to carry his kitbag - all
smack of a person who has grown too big for his boots.
We do not want such a poor example of a cricketer to be in the team spoiling the morale for all. Ganguly has provided decent service to India and it is right
time for him to retire from cricket and to go on a respectable note. He should
remember Nasser, and Srinath all went out at the right time.