15 best men heading for World Cup quest: Sourav

Kolkata, Feb 26 (UNI) Sourav Ganguly is happy that the 15 best players are heading for the Caribbeans in quest of the World Cup dreams.

''This time we have to do one better, '' Ganguly said, appearing as the brand ambassador of Chirag Computers.

Gangualy, who led India to the final last time, said I think this is the strongest team that can be formed and we have 15 best players of the country.

''About 90 per cent of the players have been there in the last World Cup and the new ones like Mahendra Singh Dhoni and (S) Sreesanth are fantastic additions,'' he said.

Asked whether he was feeling the pressure of expectations going into the quadrennial event, Ganguly said, ''I have been doing this for the past 12 years, so I am quite used to it.'' He also was of the opinion that the tournament was more ''open'' this time with Australia's form dipping a little bit over the past couple of months.

On his personal goals in this World Cup, he said, '' I just want to score runs and help the team in any way I can. '' Later in the day, the Cricket Association of Bengal presented Ganguly with a crystal trophy as a gesture of affection, wishing him and the Indian cricket team success in the World Cup.

The trophy was presented to him by former Bengal captain Premanshu Chatterjee.

Former Olympian Chuni Goswami and Asian Games silver medallist Soma Biswas were some of the prominent figures present during the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Ganguly said: ''Eden Gardens is a place where I have spent some of the best times of my life. I have been coming here since I was just six-year-old.'' ''I came here for the first time with my father to see Tony Greig's England play. I virtually grew up in this place. I am grateful to CAB for the support it has lent me for the last 20-25 years,'' he said.

He then added, ''Kolkata should not only be a cricket-crazy city, it should also provide cricketers who can perform at an international level. I want the younger players to make the best use of the facilities provided at the Eden.'' ''This is undoubtedly one of the best grounds of the world.

Youngsters should make the best use of the facilities available here as that would only help in their improvement,'' he said.

UNI