After days of unwarranted speculation over the future of Sourav Ganguly, the men who matter made the right decision. It took the five Indian selectors no more than a few minutes to decide to extend Ganguly's term for the South African tour. But they only got it half right: they could have been spot on by appointing Ganguly for the home series against England too.

Ganguly's form has been indifferent, but it's hard to imagine that his batting average as captain (28.94) was the only thing standing in the way of a longer term.

The truth is that empowerment is anathema to the Indian cricket establishment. A captain must prove his credentials from series to series and be expected to command a side with a gun to his head. Even the ever-suspicious Mumbai flat-owner is more generous: he gives his tenant a full 11 months.

So what will convince the selectors to renew Ganguly's lease for the England series? A win over South Africa? A couple of centuries? Or just plain good behaviour?

Let's be realistic. Even with Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Anil Kumble, India will have to play out of their skins to beat South Africa on their own turf. South Africa beat a full-strength Indian side in India in 1999, and they are officially the No. 2 Test side in the world. India haven't won a Test series abroad in eight years, and there is no reason to believe that they can reverse this trend even against a Donald-less South Africa. It would be a surprise if most Indian cricket followers don't know this. I will settle for a 1-2 scoreline, provided India show stomach for the fight and a few Indian batsmen stand up to the pace and bounce of the South African wickets.

So if Ganguly's future as captain depends on the South African tour, why bother appointing him at all? The selectors might as well have given the job to Rahul Dravid or whoever else is next in line. And if it doesn't, why keep him hanging? Yes, his batting form is a worry. But it's not as if India are brimming with batting talent. In four Tests each, Hemang Badani and Mohammad Kaif average 15.17 and 20.14, and there isn't another batsman who can challenge Ganguly's No. 5 position.

India go into the England series straight from the airport. In fact, the English team arrive here first: India will be facing the heat at Centurion in the third Test when England play their second tour match against India A at Nagpur. Imagine a new Indian captain being appointed then.

Sambit Bal is India editor of Wisden.com.

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