This is news to me that I will be captain Ganguly

This is news to me that I will be captain Ganguly

KOLKATA: Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Sourav Ganguly on Monday sidestepped questions on whether he had been re-appointed captain of his Indian Premier League team.

"This is news to me that I will be captain. I am sure when everything is decided, there are responsible people who will make an announcement," he said.

The left-hander had been replaced by New Zealand's Brendon McCullum for the second season of Twenty20 extravaganza.

But with national duty putting a question mark on McCullum's availability for the entire next season, there is speculation that Ganguly would return at the helm.

"KKR is such a high-profile team, there are bound to be speculations," said Ganguly.

Meanwhile, the reports to re-instate Sourav Ganguly as the Kolkata Knight Riders' captain, and appointment of John Wright as team's coach, has got the backing of local Kolkata players.

Senior pro Laxmi Ratan Shukla said that it was a good move to make Sourav the only captain.

"From my point of view Sourav Ganguly would always be a great captain and a great player. It's always great playing under him."

"I don't know what Shah Rukh Khan (team owner) and Jay Mehta (manager) are thinking but it is good if Sourav is our only captain."

Flower optimistic about Flintoff's fitness

Andy Flower, England's coach, is optimistic that Andrew Flintoff will be fit to play in the second Test at Lord's, starting on Thursday, despite reporting soreness and swelling in his right knee after falling awkwardly in the field during last week's first Test in Cardiff.
Given his recent injury problems, which have forced Flintoff to miss 25 of England's 48 Test matches since the 2005 Ashes, the news of his latest injury setback had been greeted with concern, especially as the injured knee was the same one that required surgery back in April, after Flintoff tore his meniscus while playing for Chennai Superkings in the IPL.
Flower, however, sought to play down the extent of the latest injury, and told reporters at Lord's that Flintoff's surgeon, Dr Derek Bickerstaff, had suggested "he should be okay to play", having received a cortisone injection on Monday to assist with the recovery.
"He [Bickerstaff] was quite optimistic about him [Flintoff] playing in this game," said Flower. "He won't bowl today, but he'll have a bat and he'll have a bowl tomorrow, and we'll assess it tomorrow. We'll let it settle today."
Despite finishing with disappointing figures of 1 for 128 in 35 overs, Flintoff bowled with pace and hostility in his first Test outing of the summer in Cardiff, and with his batting showing signs of returning consistency, England still retain the hope that he might yet rediscover the form that made him such an irresistible force in the 2005 Ashes.
Nevertheless, Flower was wary of getting too hopeful about his long-term fitness. "I think with Fred and his injury record we're always concerned, to be honest," he said. "His body is in that sort of state, at this time of his career, when he seems vulnerable a lot of the time. We can't get away from that, but he's a hell of a player and we want him in our side if fit."
The statistics of Flintoff's recent form and impact on the Test side, however, are not flattering. Since the 2005 Ashes, he has averaged 28.25 with the bat and 34.68 with the ball in 23 Tests (both figures down on his overall Test record), and he has not managed a century or five wickets in an innings in any series since then.
Most damning of all, however, is his record as a match-winner. Although some leeway has to be made for the quality of the opponents - Flintoff has often been recuperating during low-key series in preparation for the marquee events - the statistics paint a sorry tale. In the 25 matches that Flintoff has missed since 2005, England have won 12, drawn 10 and lost on only three occasions. In the 23 matches in which he has been present, those numbers are almost exactly reversed - won 3, drawn 7, lost 13.
What is more, there is a growing suspicion that the unpredictable nature of Flintoff's fitness record has an adverse impact on the balance of the side, and the role of the less-vaunted players. James Anderson, for instance, who recently admitted it is hard to avoid feeling like a second-fiddle when Flintoff is in the side, averages nearly 10 runs higher when his Lancashire team-mate is also in England's bowling attack.
Flower, however, does not have any time for suggestions that Flintoff's comings and goings unsettle his team-mates. "I don't think that's something that should distract any of our boys, whether or not Fred's playing," he said. "The guys will just get on and prepare, as professional sportsmen do. Frustrating or not, that's how it is, there's no point in getting too het up about it."
In the meantime, Flintoff could either be replaced by, or joined in the same line-up as, Steve Harmison, who was understood to have frustrated the England management with his poor fitness and attitude on their recent tour of the Caribbean. His form this summer brooks no equivocation, with six wickets in a fiery performance for England Lions against Australia at Worcester earlier this month, and a five-wicket haul for Durham in his most recent Championship outing against Yorkshire.
Despite suggestions that Flower had been the most ardent critic of Harmison's attitude, he disputed it on the eve of the second Test. "I never drew any line under Steve, that wasn't the case at all," he said. "If that was the perception elsewhere, there's nothing I can do about it. Steve was always in the frame, because he's a hell of a fast bowler with a very good record for England."

Who's Ponting to lecture on spirit of game

Ricky Ponting's rant about England's alleged lack of respect for the spirit of the game rings hollow because Australia is the team which violates it most, said Ashes winning coach Duncan Fletcher.
Writing in 'The Guardian,' the Zimbabwe-born Fletcher, who guided England to 2005 Ashes victory, said Ponting's homily on spirit of the game was a manifestation of his frustration after Australia failed to separate the last English pair in the first Ashes Test and settled for a draw.
"England will be delighted they left Cardiff with a draw and no doubt amused that they head for Lord's with a lecture about the spirit of the game from Ricky Ponting, of all people, still ringing in their ears," Fletcher wrote.
"If any side in the world doesn't play within the spirit of the game it's Ponting's Australians, yet here he is sitting in judgment on England because he's frustrated that his bowlers failed to complete the job," he said.
James Anderson and Monty Panesar batted out the last 40 minutes, during which England twice sent in physio Stev McCaig and 12th man Bilal Shafayat in an obvious attempt to waste time, much to Ponting's exasperation.
Fletcher said he did not condone what England did even if it was not really illegal.
"But let's not get carried away. What England did ate up maybe an over at most. If the batsmen had wasted the same amount of time talking between overs, no one would have batted an eyelid. Instead we're left with the ridiculous situation of being told off by an Australian captain for transgressing cricket's spirit a notion he seems to only vaguely understand himself," Fletcher said.
Fletcher counter-attacked, saying Ponting set even a worse example for the "schoolboys watching at home."
"...can the Australians really argue that England's tactics are worse than the way Ponting places pressure on the umpires and makes them look bad in front of a huge crowd and TV audience? And we haven't even mentioned Australia's sledging.
"The way he objected after Aleem Dar rightly turned down a catch at silly point off Paul Collingwood was typical. Back in 2005 Ponting and his team were over-aggressive towards the umpires on a regular basis, and he was at it again here," Fletcher said.
"Ponting has to be careful. Someone needs to sit down and ask him what he understands by the spirit of the game. The way he plays is definitely not in the spirit. And if the Australians would have you think that they'd have done things differently on Sunday evening, then pigs might soon be spotted in the skies above St John's Wood," he quipped.

IPL- 3

About Deccan Chargers

The team with the best combination of big-hitters came a cropper in the first edition of DLF-IPL. The team had the stars but did not have the bowling to back it up. Finally the skipper VVS Laxman dropped out due to an injury and the team struggled without any direction. There was no direction, but the season ended with a hope for the Chargers. They have now brought in a new captain in Adam Gilchrist, changed the backroom staff with new coach Darren Lehmann. But the lack of firepower in the bowling is what hurts them most, especially when it comes to pitches in South Africa. Can Gilly influence a turnaround or will normal service be restored for the Deccan Chargers?
Captain-coach combination: Darren Lehmann is a first-time coach and will team up with new captain Adam Gilchrist.So it is starting all over again for Deccan Chargers, so it might be a long haul for the duo.
Last year's record: Matches: 14, Won: 2, Lost: 12
About Chennai Super Kings What's a complete team? Well, here it is. Good clean strikers of the ball, an imaginative skipper, good crop of Indian players, a magical spinner and one of the best all-rounder in world, come together to dish out a fare. Latest acquisition: The best in the world? Okay, one of the best, Andrew Flintoff joins the ranks. One of the top grossers at the DLF-IPL2, Flintoff will be keenly watched in the two weeks that he will be in action during the tournament. His X-factor along with Murali's spin magic will surely lift the Chennai Super Kings Last year's record: Runner's up, League stage Played: 14, Won: 8, Lost: 6

About Delhi Daredevils

Dangerous side with plenty of flair, that's what Delhi Daredevils is all about. A steady bowling attack backed up by deadly strikers at the top, makes it a team to look out for. Coupled with the experience of Glenn McGrath and Daniel Vettori, you have a heady cocktail. But their exuberance could prove to be their downfall like last season. Watch out for the Sehwag-Gambhir jugalbandi followed by some daredevilry from David Warner
Goa Acquisition: Paul Collingwood and Owais Shah form the heart of England's T20 squads. They can change their game according to formats and so expect them to come to the party this time. Collingwood's medium pacers will give an added bow to the Durham man, because Shah may struggle to feature in the first XI.
Captain-coach combination: Virender Sehwag can be imaginative as skipper, has a shrewd cricketing brain. This clear-headed cricketer almost led his side all the way to the crown last season. Unfortunately, the team misfired at the big stage. The coach Kepler Wessels is from the South Africa stable of unlikely men behind the scenes. Kepler can be innovative and come up with unlikely ideas to throw rivals off-guard.

About Kolkata Knight Riders

The team with the biggest blockbuster movie star as its owner, lived upto his image last year. They began on a bang, but could not sustain any further period, they simply frittered away it all to struggle in the last phase of DLF-IPL1. Of all the teams, they flattered to deceive. But now comes the big opportunity to set the record straight. But even before a ball is bowled the Knight Riders have a problem. Coach John Buchanan wants four-man captaincy team and wants it to be rotated forcing the iconic Sourav Ganguly to sulk. Will this feud eat up Knight Riders? Wait and watch
Captain-Coach combination: India's most successful captain with a maverick image on and off the field combines with one of cricket's most successful coaches for the most unlikely combo.
Last year's record: Played 14, Won: 6, Lost: 7, N/R: 1

About Kings XI Punjab

Kings XI Punjab is part of the eight competing teams promoted by the DLF Indian Premier League. It is held and promoted by a consortium which includes, Industrialists Mohit Burman, Karan Paul, Ness Wadia and leading Indian actor Preity Zinta. The team is led by Yuvraj Singh, who is also the icon player & captain. At the helm is Coach Tom Moody. The team is a heady mix of leading national and international players like Brett Lee, James Hopes, Shaun Marsh, Luke Pomersbach, Simon Katich, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Burt Cockley, Ravi Bopara, Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan, Sreesanth, R Powar, V.R.V. Singh, P. Chawla, Karan Goel, Uday Kaul, Wilkin Mota, Ajitesh Argal, Tanmay Srivastava, Sunny Sohal, Ryan Ninan, Ravikant Shukla, Ranadeb Bose, Vikramjeet Malik, Taruwar Kohli and Amanpreet Singh.

About Mumbai Indians

It was a low-key team with most injuries and controversies in DLF-IPL1. But now the team looks settled, the skipper's back with a new staff and some key replenishments. The strength of the side still lies in the top-order, but a few new strikers, plus Sri Lanka's fit slinger Lasith Malinga could provide the best hope for Mumbai Indians in DLF-IPL2.
Captain-coach combination: When Sachin Tendulkar is the captain, he is very much in charge. So the role of Shaun Pollock has been re-defined a bit. He becomes the chief mentor and along with fielding coach Jonty Rhodes expect him to turn things around for Mumbai Indians. If Tendulkar needs more help about South African conditions, then he has a former pro in those parts, Praveen Amre to look after the nitty grit-ties.
Star player: Sachin Tendulkar.
Last year's record: Played 14, Won 7, Lost 7

About Rajasthan Royals

Last season even before a ball was bowled this side was written off as a bunch of no-hopers. But how the tables were turned was seen by the whole world. This time key all-rounder Shane Watson is unlikely with an injury and some of the other performers like Sohail Tanveer are out of the frame. But expect Shane Warne to come up with a new plan to surprise his rivals.
Latest Acquisition: One of the high-profile buys for Rajasthan Royals is the thunderbolt paceman Shaun Tait. The young express bowler is fighting self-doubts and exile to come back on the big stage. Warne's backing could well prove to be decisive X factor this time.
Captain-coach combination: Well the boss of this team is one and only Shane Warne. The spin magician casts a spell around his team and manages to eke out the best out of everybody. Last year he singlehandedly inspired his side to the title. His little-known players managed to raise their performance level and take it to a new high. In the background his old friend, Darren Berry does all the research on the rivals, while Warne plots the moves.
Last year's results: Played: 14, Won: 11, Lost: 3. Champions
Fitness barometer: The presence of a plethora of young Indian cricketers presents a whole new version of the country. These bunch of youngsters are talented, athletic and above all keen to follow their captain.

About Royal Challengers Bangalore

DLF-IPL1 was all about this team being called a Test line-up. The world's best batsmen albeit in the longer format got together to form the core. But unfortunately the team crashed out resulting in a few heads rolling. A new brand new back-up team coupled with a new administration. Will the arrival of KP, Ryder and Robin Uthappa help Royal Challengers Bangalore, turn a new page? Will the Royal Challengers Bangalore undergo a image makeover? Answers just days away...
Latest acquisition: England's most colourful cricketer, Kevin Pietersen, was always going to be the star attraction at DLF-IPL2. So even if it meant pitching in the highest bid, Vijay Mallya was prepared for it. So in came KP as also another rising star from New Zealand, Jesse Ryder.
What you need to know about Bangalore: Bangalore's most priced possessions are its gardens. The former princely state of Mysore is the pride of the state, but it provides the old royal touch to the state of Karnataka and in particular to Bangalore. Bangalore has produced some of the greatest Indian cricketers like GR Viswanath, BS Chandrashekar, EAS Prasanna, Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath and Rahul Dravid.
Fitness barometer: With the infusion of the likes of KP, Ryder and even Robin Uthappa the fitness levels are bound to shoot up. Coach Ray Jennings is known to be a hard taskmaster when it comes to fitness, so expect some tough talking from the former wicket-keeper.

About Chennai Super Kings

What's a complete team? Well, here it is. Good clean strikers of the ball, an imaginative skipper, good crop of Indian players, a magical spinner and one of the best all-rounder in world, come together to dish out a fare.
Latest acquisition: The best in the world? Okay, one of the best, Andrew Flintoff joins the ranks. One of the top grossers at the DLF-IPL2, Flintoff will be keenly watched in the two weeks that he will be in action during the tournament. His X-factor along with Murali's spin magic will surely lift the Chennai Super Kings
Last year's record: Runner's up, League stage Played: 14, Won: 8, Lost: 6