Harare, Feb 18: With his team having put up a dismal show in the World Cup so far and facing the wrath of the fans back home, Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly today exhorted his players to remain focussed at the job ahead and show their "strength of character". "There is no reason for the heads to be down in the camp. No team in the World Cup has won without ups and downs. It s not going to happen in any World Cup," Ganguly said ahead of India's crucial game against Zimbabwe here tomorrow.
"It s a long duration for the tournament. Things are going to happen in one-day cricket."
Ganguly said the team's strength of character would be on test as it sought to reverse the disappointing trend of losses over the last two months.
"It s been not a good spell for the team. There are periods when teams go through such spells. This is a moment when the strength of character is judged," he said.
India were bowled out for a modest score of 204 by minnows Holland before labouring hard to register a victory and were thrashed by nine wickets by defending champions Australia in their second league match.
The results triggered off a wave of protests from fans back home who took out demonstrations against the team, burnt effigies and even attacked the house of Mohammad Kaif in Allahabad.
Ganguly said the team deserved criticism but was determined to bring smiles back on the faces of its fans. Bureau Report