Ganguly, Maharaj of Knight Riders

“I chose the name Knight Riders from the term ‘Knights in Shining Armour’ who go out to fight wars. Winning and losing is all part of sport, we will play to win.”

The team’s captain Ganguly ruled out the possibility of any one-upmanship arising between Akhtar and Ishant over the fastest bowler tag.

“We have a good bowling attack for Twenty20. Shoaib Akhtar is one of cricket’s leading pace bowlers and Ishant has just come back from Australia where he proved his worth. Ajit Agarkar is another with ability to bowl fast,” said the ex-India captain.

Kolkata Knight Riders will have two current ODI captains in Ricky Ponting (Australia) and Chris Gayle (West Indies).

The Indian, given the mantle of captaincy in the IPL, was asked about the problem he may face leading two captains. “Each player has a reputation to defend. When Ponting goes out there to bat for Australia, club or World XI, people coming to watch expect good performance from him.

“The same applies to other big names in international cricket. When India toured Australia for the Test matches, we had four ex-captains in Sachin Tendulkar, me, Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble, who is the current Test skipper. India’s display in the Tests was one of the highlights of the tour.”

I have no plans of retirement as of now : Ganguly

How long do you wish to continue?
(Laughs)! In plain and simple words, I have no plan of retirement as of now…I wish to continue till the day I perform…I will keep on playing all the versions of the game till I keep performing in those.

What is inside you that keeps on going even at 35?
It’s not only for me, I think for everyone the hunger for success is the main thing that keeps you going. I still feel that fire in me and so I will continue as long as that is still there.

Is there any feat that you feel you need to achieve?
(Again laughs) Yes a lot of things…the main thing is the performance and nothing else matters.

Don’t you think you will have problems handling with Shoaib Akhtar?
There’s no question of handling anybody. Shoaib is one of the fastest bowlers in the world and so is Ishant Sharma. I think we all will get a good opportunity to perform in this new format of cricket.

Do you regret of not getting any player whom you wanted?
(Pause)! Brett Lee…(laughs)! You cannot get all the players. Anyways, We have a good combination legendary batsman like Ricky Ponting, David Hussey, Shoaib, Ishant, Brendon McCullam and many. I am very satisfied with what I have.