Sourav Ganguly has warned that India should treat next year's World Cup in South Africa as "just another tournament" in order to avoid putting undue pressure on the team. "The World Cup is not life," Ganguly said. "It is, like the rest, just another tournament. It is too far-fetched to raise hopes too high and it is too early to start thinking about winning it."

Ganguly denied that as captain he was feeling the burden of expectation. "There is no pressure on me really," he told the Hindustan Times. "It is nice to lead a side that is doing well and winning, but that does not bring in additional pressure. The aim should be to do well in any tournament, be it a Test or one-day international series.

"Of course, we want to do well, but at this moment we must take things as they come. First, there is a series against the West Indies and then we go to New Zealand. We will look at the World Cup when we get there."

Ganguly opined that India's bowlers would have to work hard ahead of the tournament. "Zaheer Khan has improved, but our other medium-pacers need to work hard. We have been able to achieve pretty steep targets with the bat, but that may not always work. So, a consistently good bowling attack is without a doubt necessary. If the seamers can come good, we will have a very good attack."

India have been boosted by the decision of Javagal Srinath to return to Test cricket after announcing his retirement early in the year, a change of heart welcomed by Ganguly. "I don't think motivation should be problem for Srinath. He has a lot to contribute to Indian cricket and I think it will be a good move to have him back. He can still serve the game for a while.

"At this moment, there is absolutely no scope of leaving either Srinath or Kumble out of the Test side. With their experience and skill, they are still good enough to play Tests and one-dayers."

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd