No looking back

Denying that he would reconsider his decision, Ganguly said he was willing to sacrifice 10-12 Test matches for getting a series win against Australia as a goodbye present.

“I have had my time. There is a time for everyone to leave and this is mine. I’m happy with the way things have gone. I had a good series and we have beaten the best team in the world 2-0. There were a lot of doubts after we came back from Sri Lanka, so this is the best thing that could’ve happened. I played well, the team played well, and the way this Test match has finished, I am ready to sacrifice a year of Test cricket for it.”

Just as no media briefing these days is complete without a vote of confidence for his longtime peers, this ‘senior’ also spoke out for them. “This series also shows you what my other compatriots have mentioned that the seniors are still good enough. My time is up but people like Sachin, Rahul, Laxman are still fantastic.”

Ganguly will now play two seasons of IPL, and perhaps a few Ranji games for Bengal. There are other offers — commentary and TV spots — but he says he hasn’t decided what he will do about them.

And there was also a word for the fans, eight thousand of who had cried themselves hoarse on Monday with chants of “Dada”. “Their support is the most valuable, it shows your contribution to the game,” he said. “These people have no agenda. Their gesture is genuine, so I’ll cherish it for life.”