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I haven''t been approached by Kochi: Ganguly

By Pti

Kolkata, Jan 27 (PTI) Former India captain SouravGanguly, who was ignored by IPL franchises at the players''auction, today rubbished speculation that he was now beingapproached by Kochi through an open bidding process.

The most successful India captain, who found no takersfrom the 10 franchises in the IPL auction, said it was a mediaspeculation that he was in talks with the team owned byRendezvous Sports.

"I don''t know much about Kochi, it seems you guys knowmore... Well till now, I''ve not been approached by any team,"Ganguly told reporters during a promotional programme here.

Ganguly further said Sachin Tendulkar deserves to get theBharat Ratna.

"As I''ve said earlier, he should get it. In near future,he should be getting it."

Media reports had said the Kochi IPL had contacted otherteams to get a no-objection certificate (NOC) from them torope in the left-hander.

As per the IPL rule, Ganguly can again be part of the IPLthrough an open bidding process if all the 10 franchises haveno objection to the move.

The biggest cricketing extravangaza, World Cup, round thecorner in the subcontinent and the temperature soaring highabout India''s prospects, Ganguly urged the fans to stand bythe Mahendra Sing Dhoni and his men in wins and even inlosses.

"If we win, it will be fantastic. But even if we don''twin (the World Cup) we will still support you. It''s a verygood and settled side with a great bunch of boys," Gangulysaid.

Ganguly also said Indian selectors should have opted fora second wicket-keeper and medium-pacer Sreesanth.

"As I''ve said earlier, Sreesanth should have been taken.

Every team will be coming with two wicketkeepers. So, it''simportant that Dhoni is fit."

Asked about the favourites, Ganguly said: "All of themwill be bringing their best sides. Australia have a strongpace attack in guys like (Brett) Lee and (Shaun) Tait.

Pakistan with its talent should be the darkhorse. South Africawill have (Jacques) Kallis while the West Indies boast of astrong batting line-up."

He also expressed confidence that Eden Gardens would beready in time amidst fears that the renovation work is goingway behind schedule.

"I''m sure it will be completed and be ready in time forthe (four) World Cup matches," Ganguly said.

Story first published: Thursday, January 27, 2011, 16:00 [IST]
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