Former cricketers surprised over Sourav's exclusion

Kolkata, Feb 23 (UNI) Former National selectors Sambaran Banerjee and Pranab Roy today expressed surprise over the exclusion of Sourav Ganguly from the Indian Team for the first test in Nagpur.

Mr Banerjee said Sourav should have been included into the side.

''I do not know what kind of decision this is. Sourav's inclusion would have meant a healthier mix of young and old. He would have consolidated the middle order, which is much needed against a team like England. I think the selectors have made a mistake by excluding Sourav,'' he opined.

''I think this is very sad. I am surprised by the decision. I saw him play at Karachi and I was hundred per cent sure that he would be included into the team. Now there seems to be a question mark on his Test career also. though the stress on the junior cricketers, but experienced player like Sourav was also needed,'' said Mr Roy.

''It is a sad day for Sourav, but knowing Sourav he would bounce back. I am really surprised and shocked at the decision but do not consider it as the end of road,'' said Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) secretary Saradindu Pal.

Sourav's elder brother Snehasish Ganguly said, ''I am too shocked to hear this. I have no words.'' Meanwhile, a pall of gloom had descended on Sourav fans in the state and some had opined that sheer injustice had been meted out to the former Team India skipper.

UNI BA SJC DH RAI2038