Saurav disappointed but not dejected on finishing second

The captain also defended his decision to bat first: ‘‘No, it was not a wrong decision to bowl. There was a cloud cover and moisture in the track. The Aussies put up a huge score and that is what made the difference,’’ he said.

Ganguly added, ‘‘though I’m disappointed, I am very happy that we played as a unit. We have played very well in the past one year and I am not surprised with the way we shaped up.’’

He also had a special mention for his bowlers: ‘‘Our bowlers gave a good account of themselves and it was because of them that we made the final. In fact, out fifth bowler Dinesh Mongia was the best performer in the final.’’

Earlier, BCCI chief Jagmohan Dalmiya, who addressed the media with Ganguly, showered lavish praise on the team. ‘‘The team gave a tremendous performance and has done the country proud. Yes, we haven’t won but on that day probably Australia were the better team on the field.’’

Long break for team

Following it’s World Cup sojourn the Indian cricket team will get a much-needed break of three months before it returns to the business, though they have a commitment to fulfill — a triangular tournament involving South Africa and hosts Dhaka from April 11 to 20.

‘‘They will get total break from cricket. They have been playing day in and day out for the last 18 months and deserve a rest,’’ said Dalmiya. On the controversy surrounding Imaging Rights during the World Cup, Dalmiya said ‘‘the players will be kept out of this and will be backed by the board.’’