CM congratulates Sourav for "wonderful" return to Test cricket

Kolkata, Dec 16 (UNI) Joining his millions of fans across the country, West Bengal Chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee heartily congratulated Sourav Ganguly today for his ''wonderful return'' in Test Cricket with a swasbuckling half century.

Commenting on the former Team India Captain's unbeaten knock of 51, the Chief Minister here this evening said, ''I thoroughly enjoyed his batting at Wonderers today'. I am delighted and think it is a wonderful return to Test cricket after a long gap.'' State Urban Development and Municipal Affairs minister Ashok Bhattacharya also complimented ''Maharaj'' for his memorable return in the Test cricket arena and his steady performance in South Africa.

''I had full confidence in Sourav and knew that he will play well in the series,'' Mr Bhattacharya said when he was asked to comment by reporters at the state Secretariat here after Sourav's unbeaten knock.

Incidentally, the Chief Minister and the Urban Development minister are the two avid fans of Sourav and were his source of encouragement always.

Meanwhile, as soon as Sourav completed the much-awaited half century, hundreds of his fans all across the sports crazy city came out on streets and started beating drums and bursting of crackers in joy. Members of several local clubs were also seen distributing sweets to mark the memorable return of Sourav with the highest score for his team today.

A large number of Maharaj fans also gathered in front of his house at Behala, on the Southern fringe of the city, and celebrated the wonderful unbeaten knock of their hero.

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