Sourav Ganguly has stepped down as Bengal captain, further fuelling speculation of his recall to the Indian Test team which would be picked in New Delhi on Thursday against the backdrop of calls for bringing back experienced players.
Ganguly, who led Bengal to victory against Punjab in a Ranji Trophy tie last week, requested the Cricket Association of Bengal to allow him to relinquish captaincy, a request which was readily granted, apparently in anticipation of a comeback by 'Dada'.
The stylish-left hander, on his best behaviour ever since he was shown the door by the committee headed by Kiran More, was also seen taking part in a rigorus net session at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata early this morning.
The meeting of the Selection Committee, which was slated to be held in Mumbai, was shifted here at the last minute to enable BCCI chief Sharad Pawar to interact with the panel, headed by Dilip Vengsarkar, before it picks the squad for the three-Test series against South Africa beginning on December 15.
It is not common for Board chiefs to meet selectors before the announcement of a team but the drubbing in Durban and Cape Town and the strong reactions in the country appear to have made Pawar decide on a discussion with the selectors.
The call for bringing back experienced players in the squad has only become shriller and has already seen VVS Laxman pack his bags to join his teammates for the one-day series.
Vengsarkar, however, was non-committal and said all the players who have been doing well in domestic cricket were in the running.
"I can't say anything as I am yet to talk to the other selectors. We will be discussing various things, including the ideal combinations. All those who have been doing well in domestic cricket are in the running," the former India captain said on Wednesday.
