By IANS
Kolkata : Sourav Ganguly Tuesday left for Mumbai en route to England with promise of playing the role of a senior cricketer to perfection during the forthcoming tours of Ireland and England.
Ganguly, who offered prayers at the Kalighat temple here in the morning, left for the gruelling twin tours in the afternoon. His mother and wife had come to see him off.
Earlier Ganguly had said, "This time I have a different role to play in England. It's the role of a senior cricketer. I would like to support my captain Rahul Dravid and help the youngsters whenever they need it."
Ganguly made a fabulous Test debut at the Lord's in 1996 when he scored a sparkling 131. In 2002, he returned to England as captain, drawing the Test series and winning the one-day series.
"I would love to get runs and take wickets this time also," he said.
Asked if there could be a repeat of the famous shirt waving incident following India's stunning win in the 2002 Natwest Trophy at the Lord's, he said, "No, no. I was young then. I was excited. I am more matured now. There is no chance of it being repeated."
He added he would be very happy if promising Bengal pacer Ranadeb Bose made his Test debut in England. "I would be the happiest, if he makes his debut in England," he said.