Resurrecting Ishant,the Ganguly way

“Ishant bowled well in the ODI series against Australia. It’s not easy for the pacers on placid tracks and fast outfields,especially if you are young. Last year,he wasn’t happy for whatever reason and didn’t have a good season with the Knight Riders. This time we hope to create an atmosphere that will allow him to express his emotions and feelings. He is our bowling spearhead and will lead the way,” Ganguly said on Saturday.

Asked if Ishant has gone awry technically,Ganguly said: “I don’t think so. He is just 20 years old and is learning the ropes. He will have periods where he will not pick wickets for India,which has happened to everyone. He needs time to grow into the job. He is a fantastic talent and is the future of Indian fast bowling for the next seven-eight years.”

Ode to Tendulkar
As Sachin Tendulkar approaches another landmark,the master completes 20 years of international cricket on Sunday,his former opening partner shared some fond memories. “I first met him at Indore in 1987-88. We were attending the national Under-15 camp. He was considered a special talent and has lived up to expectations for two decades. It’s a great achievement. Probably Sachin is the best batsman I have seen. He just amazes me. He just keeps going. We hope he carries on for some more years. If he fires in the 2011 World Cup and leaves an impact on the team,India could have a big time. I am fortunate to play close to 400 matches with him and have many fond memories on and off the field. I treasure the experience.”

KKR a better side: Whatmore
The day saw Knight Riders’ newly-appointed coach,Dav Whatmore,and Ganguly,who has been reinstated as captain,jointly address the media for the first time. Whatmore,who quit the NCA job to take up the new challenge,is confident that together they can take the team from the bottom of the ladder to the top rung.

“It needs a big effort (to resurrect the performance). What happened in the last year,or the year before,is history now. We are looking forward.”

There had been lots of confusion about the role of the coach and the captain with John Buchanan in charge. Whatmore,however,banks on “healthy relationships” between coach,captain and other players. “KKR have all the ingredients to do well in IPL III. KKR is certainly not a side to finish last. In order to escalate in the ranking,combination of a number of things is important. We do have a group of players to form a good side,” he added.

Ganguly,on the other hand,feels players need to execute plans. “We need to execute the plans…cricket is not played in the dressing room. Last year didn’t go well for us. There were issues that we shouldn’t talk about now,but we have the team. We have to keep in mind that it’s not a national team and there are domestic-level players and juniors who need to be looked after. T20 is a format that allows one to play freely. We have to create an atmosphere in the team that allows the players to have a free mind so that they can play freely,” said Ganguly,while Whatmore,sitting beside,nodded.

The Bengal left-hander somehow doesn’t hit it off with Aussie coaches — be it Greg Chappell or Buchanan. “I am more sub-continent having been born in Sri Lanka and having been in charge of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and the NCA in India,” said Whatmore,tongue firmly in cheek

Ponting uncertain
Ricky Ponting won’t be available for the Knight Riders till April 4 next year and will miss the first eight-nine games of IPL-III. This has put the team management in a dilemma. “It’s great to have someone like Ponting in the team. But he will be busy playing for Australia and will miss the first eight-nine matches. We want to recruit players on the basis of their availability. We are also aiming to have a few Pakistan players but that is also subject to the permission and their availability,” Ganguly said.

The team plans to hold camps at the Eden Gardens in December and January. Bowling consultant Wasim Akram,who has been given the role of a mentor,is expected to be present.