Dungarpur feels sad for Ganguly

Raj Singh Dungarpur, manager of the Indian cricket team to Pakistan, whose controversial statements on Sourav Ganguly made headlines during the two-month tour, now says he "feels sorry" for the former Indian captain.

"Maybe, he will play for India, but he would have to do something remarkable to make a comeback. It is very easy to be in the team, but very difficult to make a comeback," Dungarpur told rediff.com on Wednesday.

He blamed the media for generating controversies and then blowing them out of proportion.

Also Read Ganguly can always come back: Pawar

Perhaps, he was making an indirect reference to a television channel that aired his views on Ganguly, which he later denied having made.

"Media persons never seem to be able to get over the Ganguly issue and they rake it up time and again. Too much has been said and written about it," he said.

The former Board of Control for Cricket in India chief expects a keen contest in the second Test in Mohali and expressed hope of Virendra Sehwag striking form in the match.

"He is too big a player and would return to form any day. Who knows, he may score a hundred in Mohali," he added.

"The early morning conditions help the swing bowlers. The overcast sky could add to this problem. But I feel that whoever wins the toss will elect to bat. I feel that the Indian team would have an edge in the Test.

"Munaf Patel, I am told, is quicker than other Indian pace bowlers and his presence in the team should help strengthen the pace attack."

He praised Rahul Dravid, saying, "He is an outstanding batsman, a great human being and is leading the team from the front.

"I think the young Indian side is combining very well. Greg Chappell and his team have done a wonderful job with the boys."