Ganguly praises old guard

Retiring former India captain Sourav Ganguly insisted a 2-0 series home win over Australia was the perfect way to prove the country’s senior men are still good enough to compete at the highest level.

The hosts today secured the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a 172-run win in Nagpur, with Ganguly carried from the field by his team-mates in his final international appearance.

Such scenes seemed unlikely at the start of the series when there were calls for the likes of Ganguly, Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and even Sachin Tendulkar to be overlooked in favour of younger men.

Instead, a new selection panel chaired by Krishnamachari Srikkanth, resisted those calls and went with an experienced side.

Kumble ultimately decided to retire after the third Test, but the policy paid off in handsome fashion.

Sourav Ganguly bids farewell to Test cricket with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in his grasp

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"We are the only side to have competed very well against Australia,” said Ganguly.

"This definitely holds well for Indian cricket in the future, but at the same time I think it just shows that the seniors are still good enough.

"I'm happy with the way things have gone.

"I've had a good series and we've beaten the best team in the world 2-0.

"There were a lot of doubts after we came back from Sri Lanka, but coming back and winning 2-0 is probably the best thing that could have happened.

"I've played well, the team has played well and the way this Test match has finished, I'm ready to sacrifice a year of Test cricket for that."

On the immediate future, Ganguly said: "I have two years remaining on my Indian Premier League contract and I must abide by that.

"I would also play a few matches for Bengal in the domestic circuit."

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka wicketkeeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara paid tribute to Ganguly.

"Ganguly as a captain gave India the strength of character to compete on the world arena and stand up to teams like Australia," Sangakkara said.

"I have got to know Dada quite well over the years.

"I grew up watching his batting and I have had the pleasure and privilege of playing with him and against him.

"I wish him the very best in the future."