The Hindu : Sport : Ganguly and Zaheer have a lot more to offer, says Chappell

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Ganguly and Zaheer have a lot more to offer, says Chappell

Special Correspondent

Coach suggests the break has done Ganguly good

PAT FOR THE BENGAL TIGER: Greg Chappell has been impressed by Sourav Ganguly's strong will and desire. — Photo: AP

Johannesburg: On the successful return of Sourav Ganguly into the Indian side, coach Greg Chappell said the cricketer, perhaps, had needed the time to come back fresh and focussed.

Chappell, speaking to the media here on Tuesday, said both Ganguly and Zaheer had a lot more to offer to Indian cricket.

Speaking on the earlier omission of the two cricketers, Chappell maintained that it was not a case of a clash of the personalities — "It was more about the direction the team had to take collectively."

Chappell dwelt on Ganguly's strong will and desire and said it was a fine effort on his part from a mental perspective.

The Indian coach said that in Zimbabwe last year, he felt that captaincy was not allowing him enough mental space. "I have always believed he had a lot to offer as a batsman."

Chappell revealed Ganguly had spoken to him about guts and courage, and about being more relaxed mentally. "He said cricket now was not everything in life for him and he batted with rare freedom here."

Willing to compromise

Chappell had often spoken about fielding as a non-negotiable area in one-day cricket. He now says, "you need to review. Runs and wickets are the two most important things in a game and I am willing to compromise."

However, he said he felt the need for having some balance in the area of fitness and fielding. He expressed his admiration for Sreesanth's consistency and his seam position in the first Test — "He bowled six out of six good deliveries in an over."

He added good pace bowling was not about speed, but about consistency and the pressure created on the batsmen. "It's not about bowling one magic ball. It's about bowling good spells."

Chappell revealed Sreesanth was suffering from an upset stomach during the Test, which, he felt was caused as much by the pressures of the occasion as something he had eaten.

About how the Potchefstroom helped the team after the debacle in the one-day series, he said: "We realised that Rahul was, perhaps, taking too much responsibility, both physically and emotionally. Senior players addressed 20-minute sessions. We need good leadership from them."

He said he had learnt to take criticism in his stride and to "keep doing what you need to do." Chappell also stressed on the need of a strong support staff to give the team-management the right feedback.

Chappell said he would be pleased if India entered the semifinals of the World Cup.

"After that anybody could win."

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