Sourav Ganguly: India deserve No.1 ODI ranking

Sourav Ganguly

Kolkata, Nov 11 (IANS) Ex Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday said India deserved the number one ranking in the ODIs after having played well in the last three series.

"Why not? In the last three series, they played well," Ganguly replied when asked whether India deserved the numero uno status in ODIs.

India defeated England 3-1 in August-September, and got past West Indies 2-1 last month. The Indians have already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead over the Sri Lankans, against whom they play the fourth match of the series at the iconic Eden Gardens here on November 13.

India are now at the third spot in ODI rankings, following South Africa and Australia. If India win at the Eden, they will climb to the first position.

Ganguly said the selectors should have chosen Manoj Tiwary in the Indian side.

"I feel they should have taken him."

However, he advised Tiwary not to be disappointed.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankans spinner Ajantha Mendis, who has turned out for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, playing several matches at the Eden Gardens, is hoping utilise his experiences at the ground to do well Thursday. He said during the IPL, the pitch had turn and bit of bounce and helped the spinners.

"We will do our best this time.. The wicket is not bad and will help the spinners a bit."

Mendis said he would keep to a line and length and bowl with some variation.

Mendis, who was left out from the Lankan squad when it arrived in India and played the first three games, has been brought in as a replacement alongside three others for the last two games after four players returned home.