Ganguly's SAfrica show to decide World Cup fate: Vengsarkar

Kolkata, Dec 1 (UNI) Chairman of the BCCI Selection Committee Dilip Vengsarkar today hinted again that Sourav Ganguly could be in the reckoning for a place in the Indian World Cup squad if he manages come good in the upcoming three-Test series against South Africa.

''This team has been selected for the Test matches in South Africa only. I can't foresee and run my mouth on whether Ganguly will be in the ODI squads too in future. But if he performs well he surely has a chance to be in the team for the World Cup,'' Vengsarkar told reporters here.

Asserting that Ganguly's inclusion would fill the vital slot of an all-rounder during the Test series, Vengsarkar said the deposed Team India skipper's experience will help the team, which is currently low on morale.

''We need experience. We need to play an additional sixth batsman who can also perform as a bowler. Then we will have six batsmen and five bowlers. And Sourav Ganguly is the ideal person to fill that all-rounder's slot,'' he explained.

''He can add solidity to the middle order and has years of experience with him,'' the chief selector said.

''We have Virender Sehwag or Sachin Tendulkar, who can also chip in for a few overs. The addition of Ganguly lends the depth in the middle order coming in at sixth position and balances the bowling,'' he added.

Asked about the reported attitude problems of Virender Sehwag, which cost has apparently cost him his vice-captaincy, he said, ''No I don't think so he will have a problem. He has been stripped of his vice-captaincy because of his poor form and he should be oncentrating on that.'' On whether he was going to South Africa with some specific message, he said, ''No nothing as such. I will reach there at around December 10 before the first Test at Johannesburg and will be there for the entire series.'' ''Let me go and talk to the team and the management there and then I can comment on what I did or said there. How can I say from here what to do there?'' he added.

''But I believe that the fresh side can give a much better performance. And there will be a turnaround for India,'' he said.

He stressed that performance and accountability are the key words for the team right now after the 0-3 drubbing in the ongoing ODI series against the Proteas.

''Of course, accountability and performance are the main thing. I have been harping on form and fitness for a long time now and that is what is needed at this time. And the players who have been selected, have been selected based on their form and fitness,'' he elaborated.

Asked if Greg Chappell's performance was under the scanner follwoing recent debacles, he quipped, ''No, nothing as such. He has been appointed till the World Cup. The players have to perform. He can plan strategies and coach. But can't go out and play.'' Queried on whether the presence of so many captains in the Indian team could lead to a attitude problems, Vengsarkar said, ''I don't think that should be a problem.

When I played my last series in Australia, we had five captains playing and there was no problem. There should be no problem in this case too. I am confident about that.'' On the appointment of a bowling coach, he said, ''The appointment would be done soon. But the BCCI has to take a decision on that.'' Vengsarkar again reiterated that age was not criteria for him on selection matters as it all depended on form and fitness.

''The players have eight matches here and then the team will be selected for the World Cup. But if the players do will they will be in contention,'' he said.

Asked if it was a complete turnaround from the youth centric motto of Greg Chappell propagated earlier, he said, ''Yes, youth adds exuberance to the team. But it was never the sole criteria. The only criteria would be performance. If they don't perform they have to go,'' the former Indian skipper said.

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