The former New Zealand allrounder said that a player of Ganguly's stature should walk into the Indian team any day.
KOLKATA: Former New Zealand allrounder Chris Cairns believes Sourav Ganguly has become a victim of cricket politics and says India might have a rough ride in next year's World Cup in the absence of experienced players.
"I feel there is internal politics working against Ganguly," Cairns said on Tuesday on the sidelines of a promotional event organised by FMCG major Hindusthan Lever.
Cairns felt that a player of Ganguly's stature should walk into the Indian team any day.
"With such a record in both formats of the game, he naturally gets into the team. He should be an asset for any squad."
Ganguly has been ignored by the national selectors ever since the Indian team's tour of Pakistan earlier this year.
Cairns also expressed surprise at seasoned campaigners like Anil Kumble being kept away from the ODI squad.
"I don't know why experienced guys like Anil, Zaheer were out of the squad....They have performed excellently in the past and are in good nick. If India don't get the experienced guys, it might be difficult for them in the World Cup."
Kumble and Zaheer were both recalled to the ODI squad for India's tour of South Africa starting later this month after ignoring them for long.
However, he said coach Greg Chappell should be given more time to produce results.
"His manner of doing things is quite different from others....And those according to him is right!...There have been ups and down for Chappell. I would suggest giving him some more time."
To a query, Cairns said he was not cut out for the coach's job.
"Coaching is not for me. I really don't like coaching and I don't have patience for it. I love the game and what I like is playing it. Fortunately or unfortunately the job is not for me," he added.
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