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'Rubbish to say age is a factor in ODIs'

Source: Cricket Next       Date: July 11, 2008

The Prince of Kolkata gave a candid interview to CNN-IBN after the selectors ignored him again from the One-Day squad for the Champions Trophy. But the King of Comebacks isn't giving up. Sports Editor Gaurav Kalra has a chat with the former Indian captain.

Sourav Ganguly: If you look at the number of games I have played, every time I have scored, India have won. I have had a lot of man-of-the series awards, man-of-the-match awards. I have also picked up wickets as well. So, it was the same old Sourav Ganguly. According to me, even in the first game that I played against West Indies after I came back, I got a 98 in Nagpur. It was the same. One must realise that I was under a lot of stress as well - coming back into the team and trying to get a place for myself.

CNN-IBN: Obviously, you are not a part of this One-Day team. Do you feel now that my time in ODI cricket has passed?

Sourav Ganguly: I don't feel anything. All I see is, I am not getting picked. I won't be getting picked in the last 3-4 months, till the Champions Trophy and there is no One-Day cricket after that till the next year. I just don't think about it because it is no point thinking.

CNN-IBN: The reason that this question is being asked Sourav is that there is a lot of talk of a new culture of playing One-Day cricket.

Sourav Ganguly: You are talking about the culture of age?

CNN-IBN: Yes! What is your view on it? Is there too much focus on the fact that a guy cannot play One-Day cricket after a certain age?

Sourav Ganguly: It is rubbish! Look at (Sanath) Jayasuriya, (Matthew) Hayden. It is not fair and that is not correct as well but that is the way it is.

CNN-IBN: How do you view it? How do you view a One-Day career? Do you feel sometimes that it is over?

Sourav Ganguly: Well! I would be dishonest if I say that the thought hasn't come. But as I said, I really don't think about it anymore. Because I know if I get an opportunity I will perform again. But the point is whether I will get an opportunity or not.