After his sinking career received a shot in the arm with his inclusion in the squad for Pakistan Tests, a relieved Sourav Ganguly said he was happy to be back in the Indian team.
''I hope the team will play well in Pakistan,'' the former captain told reporters, who rushed to his Behala residence to get his reaction after he was selected in the 16-member squad.
When asked whether he would open in Tests, he said, ''I have nothing to say about that now. I am only very happy to be back into the side.'' He, however, clarified that he had not yet received any official intimation about his selection.
''I have not heard anything officially. I learnt it from the television,'' Ganguly said.
Quizzed about the prospects of the Indian team in Pakistan since both were on a high after winning their respective home series convincingly, the southpaw said, ''It will be a good series. I hope we all play well.''
Asked to compare this return with his earlier recall in 1996, he said, ''I will not like to compare the two. Only thing I can say is that I am very happy.'' He also said that the last time when the Indian team toured Pakistan they won both the one day and the Test series and hoped the team will do equally well this time.
Cricket Association of Bengal joint secretary Saradindu Pal said, ''This is a victory for cricket. Injustice had been done towards cricket by leaving Sourav Ganguly out.
''He has got his rightful place back. If he was not taken into the side cricket and its popularity would have suffered,'' he opined.
Meanwhile, city streets turned into impromptu dance floors with Ganguly's fans breaking into jigs. Youngsters were seen jiving in front of the Eden Gardens.
People took out processions and sprinkled gulal at onlookers who did not seem to mind the frenzy given that their favourite Dada was back in the reckoning.