 Ganguly played fluently on Friday for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy |
Coach Greg Chappell says India's team for the first Test against Pakistan will only be decided after the warm-up match in Lahore starting on Saturday. Attention has focused on Sourav Ganguly after he was dropped against Sri Lanka, only to be named in the tour party.
"He is part of the squad and we will decide after the lead up game what's the best 12 or best 11 for the first Test match," Chappell explained.
"Sourav may well be one of those players, but only time will tell."
Anil Kumble, Virender Sehwag, reserve wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel and Ganguly will join up with the squad on Saturday after playing in the latest round of domestic Ranji Trophy games.
India will field 12 players in the three-day match against Pakistan A, although it is unclear whether that group will take part.
The home side for the warm-up includes nine international players, with pace bowler Umar Gul eager to prove his return from a back injury.
If Ganguly is named in the side when the first Test begins in Lahore on 13 January it will be the latest instalment in a rollercoaster six months for the 33-year-old batsman.
He lost the captaincy and was dropped altogether after falling out with Chappell in Zimbabwe last September.
 |  We're focusing on our commitment and excellence and Sourav is no different |
Ganguly was recalled for the first two Tests against Sri Lanka but was omitted once again before the selectors decided his experience was needed in Pakistan.
Despite the controversy, Chappell insists he is happy to work with the left-hander.
"I have no differences with Sourav. I think he and I understand what's expected of all of the players in the group," the Australian added.
"We're focusing on our commitment and excellence and Sourav is no different to the others."
Meanwhile, Ganguly looked to be regaining some fluency after hitting 59 and 88 in Bengal's defeat by Tamil Nadu.
He claimed he has been happy with his form amid all the fuss, saying: "For the last five-six months, I have been making runs in both domestic and Test cricket.
"I also scored runs as the captain in Zimbabwe, so I don't know whether I am playing better because I am no longer the Indian captain."
Pakistan A: Hasan Raza (capt), Imran Farhat, Mohammad Wasim, Faisal Iqbal, Asim Kamal, Bazid Khan, Zulqarnain Haider, Mansoor Amjad, Mohammad Irshad, Umar Gul, Rao Iftikhar Anjum, Yasir Arafat.
MMIX
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