Ganguly returns to India squad

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has been recalled to the national team for the the first time in nearly a year.

The 34-year-old batsman was named in a 16-man squad announced by the selectors on Thursday for the upcoming Test series in South Africa.

Ganguly last played a Test against Pakistan in Karachi in late January, and suggestions that his career may be over were rife after a row with current coach Greg Chappell on the team's tour to Zimbabwe last year. He was subsequently sacked as captain before eventually being axed from both the Test and limited-overs squads earlier this year.

But the team's dismal performance on tour thus far, where they have been humiliated in the five-match one-day international series by the South Africans, left many former players calling for the return of the experienced former skipper.

Ganguly and VVS Laxman, who has been named to replace Virender Sehwag as vice-captain, were key figures the Indian selectors hoped would be able to turn the team's fortunes.

"In the ODI series so far, our batting has collapsed," chairman of selectors, Dilip Vengsarkar told a press conference following the announcement.

"That is why we have got these experienced players -- Sourav and Laxman. They have enough experience to do well."

Ganguly himself, refused to comment on the team's current crisis and was just happy to be back on the international stage.

"I have played for around 10 years now. Every game is a challenge, whether it's the first game or a Test series. It's a challenge for me to, but I am happy to be back," he said. "I bring a lot of runs and years of experience along with me. I guess that has gone in favour of my selection."