Kochi, Thursday 21 April 2011: Sourav Ganguly believes it’s not all over yet, as far as his Indian Premier League career is concerned. Speaking in a programme aired by a Bengali news channel on Wednesday, Ganguly answered in the affirmative when asked whether fans could expect to see him in action in IPL 4.

“I’m keeping fingers crossed, but yes, they can,” Ganguly said to the joy of his fans. He had an inkling that things would go in his favour, for he had kept himself fit after going unsold in the auctions. But he has not played since the last edition.

Although Ganguly didn’t mention any team, Kochi Tuskers Kerala seems to be his likely destination if Sri Lanka Cricket sticks to its stand that the country’s internationals will have to join a national camp on May 5. Kochi then will not only have to look for new captain but also a batsman to replace Mahela Jayawardene.

Kochi Tuskers director Mukesh Patel said that they are yet to make any request to BCCI for Jayawardene’s replacement, but if the situation arises, Ganguly could be an option. “We haven’t asked for Jayawardene’s replacement because we don’t know the status on the availability of Sri Lankan players. But if there is a need, we may opt for Ganguly,” Patel said.

After May 5, Kochi have four matches. It’s to be seen whether the team owners shell out Rs 1.77 crore (Ganguly’s base price) at that phase of the League.

Ganguly has always been linked with Kochi Tuskers, who earlier wanted the southpaw from out of auction but their request was turned down by the Indian board. Both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Sri Lanka (SLC) have failed to find a solution on the availability of Sri Lankan cricketers for the rest of the IPL season.

Kochi Tuskers had also asked for Ganguly as a replacement for injured Australian recruit Steve Smith. But IPL rules did not permit this as Smith’s base price of $200,000 was lower than that of Ganguly’s $400,000.

(News agency)