NEW DELHI : Sourav Ganguly has taken his exclusion in the right spirit by pledging to work harder.

His training sessions in Kolkata have become longer and `nets' more intense, what with a battery of bowlers willing to bowl endless spells to help him regain his touch. The Hindu spoke to some former cricketers to seek their views on the state of affairs where Ganguly, with more than 10000 ODI runs to his credit, is faced with the task of proving his credentials all over again.

The reactions were mixed but there was unanimity on the fact that Ganguly, given the young talent available, would have to earn his place in the side, and also forget captaincy since Rahul Dravid, with solid support from Sachin Tendulkar and Greg Chappell, appears a perfect leader to take the team to the 2007 World Cup.

Mohinder Amarnath: Looking at the team's show at Jaipur and Mohali, I don't think there was any need for a change in the team. The team, under Rahul, is doing well and doesn't warrant a change.

How can you exclude a performer in the team to accommodate somebody who has not done well in the recent past. Sourav can make a comeback but then he will have to work harder and show more sincerity. He has to go back to domestic cricket and make a bigger impact with the bat.

Let us also accept that one-day cricket is for the young and we have enough experienced guys in the current team to strike the right balance. Sourav doesn't find a place and performers in the team can't be ignored to create a place for him.

Madan Lal: I won't say it's the end of the road for Sourav but it won't be easy for him either. The selectors have taken the right decision because there are some good youngsters around. Sourav has to accept the hard fact of life that one day you have to leave.

On his own, he may keep trying but at the moment he doesn't fit into the team. He can't just play on past reputation.

He has played his innings and done well but there are others who are doing better. And Rahul is proving to be a good leader.

Ashok Malhotra: It may be tough for Sourav in one-day but you can't ignore him for Test cricket. Sourav will also have to learn to live cricket without captaincy because the system of separate captains for one-day and Tests will not work.

Chetan Chauhan: Sourav will have to improve his fitness and attitude and get more consistent with the bat in domestic cricket. With Rahul leading by example, Sourav can forget captaincy but will have to wait for his place.

There is no need for him to prove his credentials but he has to prove his consistency.

Maybe he may not find a place in the one-day team but he is still a good Test batsman. Let us not be fooled by the two easy victories at Jaipur and Mohali. Sourav has a good chance to return.

Aunshuman Gaekwad: I think the selectors have made the best judgment under the circumstances but then Sourav too would be justified in questioning the decision. He is fit, and is in form. Maybe the selectors want to convince themselves if he is consistent and how good is his touch. Maybe watch him more.

In any case, when the team is doing well there is no need to make changes. Sourav can forget captaincy and concentrate on his batting alone. Rahul appears a confident captain.

Chandu Borde: Who will you drop to include Sourav? That, unfortunately, has spoilt his comeback. You have to give the youngsters a proper chance so that you don't shatter their confidence.

Sourav is a fighter and I know he will make a comeback. He has an excellent track record and one can't ignore his contribution to Indian cricket as a captain.

Sourav has to wait because there is no place at the moment. The team is doing well and Rahul has shown positive signs as a captain. Sourav would gain by remaining patient.

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