I will fly back to Kolkata if not allowed to open: Ganguly

Kolkata, Nov 3.  Practising ahead of the Cricket All Stars league in the United States, former India captain Sourav Ganguly joked on Tuesday that if he is not allowed to open the innings, he would take the first flight back to Kolkata.

The left-hander batted at the nets for around 30 minutes on Tuesday morning so that he can be ready to take on Warne's Warriors in the first match in New York City on November 7. Ganguly will be turning up for Sachin Tendulkar's team 'Sachin's Blasters'.

"I have told Sachin, if I don't open, I will catch the next flight to Kolkata. So that is a criteria for playing," Ganguly, who was in a jovial mood, told a news channel after practice.

At the nets, Ganguly turned back the clock and was seen stepping out to the spinners. He was also well balanced as he leaned into some of his trademark cover drives.

But when told that he seems to be close to the kind of form he enjoyed during his prime, Ganguly disagreed. "It is not possible," he said. "I was picking the ball late. But it was fun."

The southpaw also spoke about former India middle order batsman V.V.S. Laxman who is struggling to get a visa for the US. "V.V.S. Laxman has not got the visa yet, so he is a little worried. The US consulate are not giving him (laughs), but he will be there," he said.

"Asked him about his (Laxman's) batting but he said he can't quite understand as to when the ball is being released. This problem will be there. I hope we will come into the groove once we reach the US." Ganguly also joked about his ageing body, saying "We will have to wait and watch how much strength is left on my hands, legs and hips."

However, Ganguly is sure that the matches will have quality cricket.  "No one one wants to get out, and the bowlers also don't want to get spanked. So it will be a good contest," he added.

(IANS)