Ganga blasts Lara's team commitment

by Gary Smith 
for Caribbean Net News

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka:  West Indies A-team captain Daren Ganga has questioned the commitment level of batting genius Brian Lara when he represents the regional team.

The current Trinidad and Tobago skipper was quoted as saying Lara "is not a team player and records have shown it."

"The records show that when he (Lara) plays, other players struggle," Ganga told Cricinfo on Monday. "I don't think he is much of a team player in terms of what happens in the dressing-room. A caring sort of attitude is something he can work on and strengthen, in terms of wanting you to do well."

Ganga has played under Lara's guidance both at the domestic and international level and left-handed opener does not believe that the double world record holder is a good captain.

"As a captain, I think you must be a good leader of men, and a good motivator. I think that when it comes to human relationships, he (Lara) has a lot to learn. You need to express yourself, you need to encourage your players, you need to show selflessness. In that aspect, he could be a little bit better," Ganga added in the interview.

Ganga has played in 31 Test matches for the West Indies senior team since making his debut in 1998, and his comment came two months after former wicketkeeper/batsman Ridley Jacobs said at times Lara played for himself.

In the meantime, the 25-year-old Ganga, expressed his gratitude to Lara, who he said influenced him in the foundation stages of his career. Lara was with his fellow Trinidadian on both occasion in which he scored centuries against the mighty Australia in the 2002-03 home series.

"He was one-on-one with me, in terms of giving me advice, in terms of letting me know how exactly how it was going to be at the highest level, giving me that sort of motivation and determination to want to play."

Ganga also added that: "as my career progressed and I started doing well, he sort of took a back seat in terms of what he said to me."

More communication from Chanderpaul 

The Trinidadian also touched upon some aspects of current captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul, saying the skipper has good qualities as a captain and team player, but needed to communicate more with the players.

"Shiv has got a very introspective sort of personality... He doesn't speak that much and he is more laid back. As a leader, communication is important and I think Shiv struggles in that sort of area, although he is a good team player," Ganga added.

The Windies A-team leader, who is one of the many players who refused to sign a Match/Tour contract presented by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), said he refused in respect to the organisation that represents him.

"I am part of the players' association and they are our representatives. They act in our best interests. It was a situation where you had to make a decision as a player."

On a personal note Ganga said it was unfortunate to see a depleted West Indies team in Sri Lanka preparing for a Test match.  Ganga said that there were guys on the team that have not played a Test or put in consistent performances in the regional competition and it was unfortunate for him to be watching on the side lines.

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