The presence of a number of talented batsmen forced Suresh Raina to be confined to the reserve bench during the Australian tour, but the left-hander says the healthy competition for a middle-order slot had made him "mentally stronger" to regain his place. The 21-year-old Raina, whom former coach Greg Chappell rated very highly, said being out of the team had helped him mature as a player and he was better prepared to "grab the opportunities" now.
Kirsten said he would, however, be joining the Indian team possibly in the middle of its tour of Australia, starting later this month, as a consultant.
Former South Africa batsman Gary Kirsten said the BCCI gave an offer letter for the India coach's job with one week's time to reply.
Former India coach Greg Chappell talks with trademark eloquence on cricket, and on coaching.
Chairman of selectors Kiran More said the support staff is performing that role well.
A thunderstorm has been forecast for the next four days.
Black arm bands, head gears and banners of 'Bring back Dada' were seen aplenty in Kolkata
India's captain indicated that he would bat at No. 3 in the second ODI against South Africa.
I S Bindra had on Friday alleged that the former BCCI chief and coach Greg Chappell had hatched a conspiracy to keep Ganguly out of the Indian team.
The former New Zealand captain has laughed off suggestions that he could be one of the candidates to succeed Greg Chappell.
Yuvraj Singh said the row between skipper Ganguly and coach Chappell is disappointing but the team should move ahead.
The match coincides with the three-day camp for the Indian team to prepare for the seven-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.
Ranbir Singh Mahendra has said that the selection committee will decide Sourav Ganguly's fate as captain
The Jagmohan Dalmiya group on Friday raised suspicion about who is funding the travel and accommodation of the three observers.
He added that he has no regrets on not getting the job.
"The promise he has shown and the way he has fallen off is not acceptable," said the former Indian bowler.
Sourav Ganguly said he would do whatever he can to help Dravid do well as captain.
Former Pakistan batsman Mohsin Khan believes both India and Pakistan must look for a home-grown coach.
The former India captain said the best days of Sachin Tendulkar are behind him.
The selection committee and coach Greg Chappell will chalk out details for the condition camp ahead of the July-August Sri Lanka tri-series.
Former West India batsman Desmond Haynes has also been called for an interview by the BCCI for the India coach post.
The Indian team landed in Mumbai at 0015 hours after a long flight from Durban.
Dhoni donned the gloves for a short while during Monday's practice, and the focus was on Dinesh Kaarthick, who kept receiving throws from Greg Chappell and the slip cordon.
The former Indian captain believes he is still good enough to play for India and is hurt by the way he is being treated.
Sourav Ganguly is likely to be left out of the probables list for the ICC Champions Trophy.
Responding to Chappell's request, Roberts was at the nets watching Irfan bowl.
He practiced at the Bandra-Kurla complex ground under the watchful eyes of Greg Chappell.
While Ganguly maybe in contention for a berth in the middle-order.
The 341-run defeat to Pakistan in the third Test cut India's rating points from 115 to 111 and placed them below second-placed England, with 113 points.
