Kolkata: Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly is back. An experience of 88 Tests behind him, he can prove to be quite a handful against the like of Makhaya Ntini and Shaun Pollock. MiD DAY caught with Dada yesterday
Excerpts

When did you get the news?
I was training at the Eden Gardens when a local reporter of a TV-channel came inside the ground to inform me that I was selected for the tour of South Africa.

How does it feel to be back in the national team again?
I am happy, perhaps happier than when I was first called for the national duty at the Lords in 1996.

Do you have any preferred number to bat at?
Not really. It is for the team’s think-tank to decide. I shall bat at wherever I shall be asked to.

What will you bring to the team?
My experience of 88 Tests behind me. I have played for more than ten years for the team… and have played well. I will be trying to do the same when I reach there.

VVS Laxman has been chosen as the vice captain. Your views…
It is a great news for him. I congratulate him and wish him all the best. And I have absolutely no problem to play under any one. Playing for India is the ultimate honour for me and I just want to do it for as many days as possible.