Nobody messes with the 'Dada' of Indian cricket, not even Sachin Tendulkar! Yes, we are talking about Sourav Ganguly, who has 'warned' Tendulkar that he will fly back home if he is not allowed to open the batting in the Cricket All Star T20 League -- starting from 7 November in the United States of America (USA).
The former Indian captain was in a jovial mood on Tuesday when the reporters thronged him and he joked that he has already informed Tendulkar that he wished to open the batting. After listening to Ganguly's comment, the fans have already started speculating if the former Indian skipper will feature in Sachin's Blasters.
"I have told Sachin, if I don't open, I will catch the next flight to Kolkata. So that is a criteria for playing," Ganguly was quoted as saying by a news channel on Tuesday in Kolkata.
Ganguly was seen practising in the nets on Tuesday before flying to the US. His fans watched him dancing down the track when the spinners were bowling to him and that was almost like a walk down the memory lane. The fans were also treated with some of his trademark cover drives but it was a little difficult for Ganguly as well to spot the ball quickly like he did when he was in his prime.
"It is not possible. I was picking the ball late. But it was fun. We will have to wait and watch how much strength is left on my hands, legs and hips. No one one wants to get out, and the bowlers also don't want to get spanked. So it will be a good contest," Ganguly added.
Watch Sourav Ganguly practice in the nets ahead of the 1st T20 of the Cricket All Star League:
'Dada' also spoke about VVS Laxman who is struggling to get a visa for the US. But, he affirmed that Laxman will be there for the Cricket All Star T20 series eventually.
"VVS. Laxman has not got the visa yet, so he is a little worried. The US consulate are not giving him (laughs), but he will be there. Asked him about his (Laxman's) batting but he said he can't quite understand as to when the ball is being released. This problem will be there. I hope we will come into the groove once we reach the US," Ganguly added.
The first T20 of the series between Sachin's Blasters and Warne's Warriors will be played on 7 November at the Citi Field Stadium in New York City. The teams are yet to be announced.
Here's the complete list of players who will feature in the Cricket All Star T20 series.
