Ganguly to miss Challenger Trophy

Saurav Ganguly will not be playing in the Challenger Trophy which will be played at Ahmedabad from February 10. Ganguly, who had been selected as the captain of the India A side informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his unavailability because of medical reasons.

Ganguly had sustained an injury to his right knee during the Triangular series in Australia. As a result he had to miss out the last match of the series against Pakistan. When contacted at his residence today, the stylish left-hander said, "I have been advised complete rest for a minimum of two weeks by my physician. I had decided to go in for an arthoscopy in England. At the moment, however, I have decided on the advice given to me by Dr. Kalyan Mukherjee. If the knee does not respond to the rest, then I will definitely go in for arthoscopy."

Ganguly, in fact will also miss Bengal's Super League Ranji Trophy encounter against Delhi beginning here from February 16. At the moment, he is trying to give his right knee as much of rest as possible. He is desperately keen to play in the home series against South Africa and for that reason, has decided to follow his doctor's advice.

Ganguly's absence from the Indian A team means that the responsibility of leading the side would fall either on Mohammed Azharuddin or Nayan Mongia. The chances of Azhar leading the side, however, is greater. As one national selector Ashok Malhotra said here today. "Even though we do not have any idea on Ganguly's withdrawal, in case he does so, the stand in skipper could well be Azharuddin. He is the senior most cricketer in the side and it is quite natural that he will be the captain if Ganguly opts out."