Kumble's non availibility calls for change of plans: Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly will undoubtedly miss the services of Anil Kumble for the series against Australia. Speaking about the ace spinner's absence following the surgery on his right shoulder, the Indian captain said in Calcutta on Wednesday, "it would have been great if he was available. However, nobody can deny that he has to tend to his injury. We just have to play without him. We will definitely have to change our plans as Kumble would have been the main weapon for us. However, I just wish him a speedy recovery."

In the meantime, Ganguly took a walk down memory lane, playing for a club that is run by his family. Ganguly participated in a club match for the first time in a little less than two years. He donned the whites for Barisha in a first division league match against Excelsiors. He was bowled by off-spinner Pradip Das for 28.

Oxford Mission, a ground close to Ganguly's home is the place where the Indian captain usually carries out his rigorous physical training. When he trains, there are few to watch him. Today, however, was an exception. Learning from newspapers that Ganguly would be playing for Barisha, probably entire South Calcutta turned up to see him in action. There were probably 10,000 people inside the ground and many more outside. There were spectators on the fencing, on tress surrounding the ground and on rooftops of nearby houses.

Fielding became a harrowing proposition for Ganguly as time and again youngsters, prompted by their parents, invaded the ground to have his autograph. The man however, did not lose his cool. He was the ever obliging hero. After the game, Ganguly said, "I am very happy to have played this match. I really wanted to play for Barisha this year because a lot of sentiments are attached. I am playing for this club after 15 years. The last time that I was player in this club side was way back in 1986-87. Since then there have been quite a lot of changes in my life." This was all that he could manage to say because he was besieged by fans. The club officials literally had to enforce a human chain round him.