Kolkata, Jan 9 (IANS) Even as Sourav Ganguly remained tight-lipped after failing to get a buyer at the IPL auction, people close to him expressed their bewilderment at the franchises spurning the most successful Indian captain and the third highest scorer in last year’s league.
Ganguly’s elder brother Snehasish, himself once a reputed first class cricketer, said the former Indian captain has been unaffected by the developments.
‘He is ok. I spent the entire day with him Sunday. He is fine. After having played so much cricket, such things don’t bother a person of his stature,’ Snehasish said.
On Monday, Ganguly was seen in a relaxed mood, playing volleyball with daughter Sana in the courtyard of his palatial residence at Behala in the city’s southern outskirts.
Snehasish said Kolkata Knight Riders has made a ‘mistake’ by giving the cold shoulder to his younger brother as a Sourav-Gautam Gambhir opening combination could have done wonders in the coming tournament.
‘I am bewildered… surprised… sad. I have been thinking about this for the last 24 hours. When Sourav’s contemporaries like Rahul Dravid and V.V.S. Laxman can fetch good money, and many lesser known players are lapped up by teams, how come no one raised any bid for him,’ Snehasish asked while speaking to IANS.
‘Moreover, new teams like Pune Warriors and Kochi could have benefited from Sourav’s rich experience both as a batsman, bowler and captain,’ he said.
‘Kolkata Knight Riders have made a mistake; Rs.1.86 crore is no money when you take into account Soruav’s stature, talent and experience. So they missed the chance to get him cheap. Sourav-Gambhir could have been a dream opening pair,’ said Snehasish.
Rubbishing the notion that Ganguly’s personality could have made things difficult for Gambhir, tipped to be KKR captain, Snehasish said ‘He has played so well under many other skippers. May be they have a different strategy.’
Snehasish conceded that the franchises may have been tempted to take in youngsters by ignoring a veteran like Sourav for the youngest version of the game. ‘Or may be, his run-ins with Aussie coaches like Greg Chappell and John Bhuchanan spoiled his chances as most franchises have coaches from Down under.’
