Sachin Tendulkar's comment blown out of context: Sourav Ganguly

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Former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Monday said batting master Sachin Tendulkar's comment that selectors need to look beyond statistics while picking fresh talents has been blown out of context.

"I was there when he made the comments and also read his interview. It has been completely blown out of context. It was a completely harmless statement made by Sachin. He said it in a completely different context," Ganguly said on the sidelines of a programme.

Two days back, Tendulkar had courted a controversy when he said selectors needed to give importance to a player's skills and ability to absorb pressure, rather than going by the scorebook.

"It's about vision. When it comes to selection, one has to analyze a player. Even if he fails in a few matches, one needs to see if he has the ability to withstand pressure and execute at the international level. I have seen players who are exceptionally good at the domestic level not being able to perform as well in international cricket," Tendulkar had said at the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Karnataka State Cricket Association in Bangalore Saturday.

Ganguly, and other Indian captains like Mohammed Azharuddin, Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble were also present at the Bangalore function.

On Tendulkar's likely 200th Test appearance in the coming South Africa trip, Ganguly said the record would be unbreakable.

"It would be an unbelievable achievement. I don't think it will be possible to break that record," he said after inaugurating "Sahanubhuti", a benefit exhibition of paintings and sculptures for rehabilitation of Uttarakhand flash flood victims at Emami Chisel Art gallery.

Ganguly also hoped India would do well in South Africa.

"India have done well in last 4-5 months, so there is a lot to hope, for South Africa provides the best bowling conditions and I hope India have a good season there".

The talismanic cricketer said he has not shown any disrespect to stylish former Indian batsman VVS Laxman by naming him the 12th man of a dream Test team he chose during an interaction with a television channel.

"Selecting such a team doesn't mean showing disrespect to any player. It doesn't make any player bigger or smaller."

Ganguly denied reports that he may participate in a dance reality show.

"It's completely news for me. I can't dance, only my wife can, I am not a part of any such programme," he added.


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