I want to make India a good Test side — Ganguly

Ganguly took over the mantle from Sachin Tendulkar after the Test series at home against South Africa earlier this year and led the side to a 3-2 victory in the One-dayers which though came under a cloud because of the match-fixing scandal involving Hansie Cronje and some of his teammates.

In the absence of Tendulkar last year, Ganguly was made the stop gap captain and won the three-match series against West Indies in Toronto after the India-Pakistan Sahara Cup series was cancelled in the aftermath of the Kargil fiasco.

“As captain, the most satisfying moments for me have been in Kenya and also beating South Africa, a good one side, at home,” Ganguly said while aiming for adding the triangular series under his belt.

Though rating his unbeaten 141 off only 142 balls (6×6, 12×4) in India’s 95-run win against South Africa in the semi-final of the ICC Knock-out tournament in Nairobi as his best innings, Ganguly said, “Personally I find the Test hundreds more satisfying.”

What was the impact of the match-fixign scandal on the morale of the team ? Ganguly gave a guarded reply: “I kept quiet and let the game go on. It was not fair for me to pick up that topic (with the players) as nothing has been proved … We played one tournament immediately after that in Dhaka (Asia Cup) and played badly.”

How does he plan to effect a turnaround ? Ganguly said: “We have a superb side with a splash of youngsters. Now, the togetherness of the team is remarkable which led to the fine show at Nairobi and if we stick to these boys, we can prepare well for the 2003 World Cup (South Africa). I want to be part of a World Cup winning side, either as the captain or as a player.”And his favourite past time? “Watching Hindi movies. I do not like to watch English movies.”

Asked about the between Saurav as an `individual’ and Saurav as a `cricketer’, he said, “Basically I am a soft and straight person. Sometimes I am mistaken, but that’s how I like to be.“Representing India is a dream come true. This is the game I wanted to play and earn money and fame.”