Cup of joy overflows at Sourav return

Kolkata, Feb 18 (UNI) Sourav Ganguly, following a dream comeback into international cricket, returned home today to a frenzied euphoria from fans and followers.

After a brilliant performance in the India-Sri Lanka ODI series that earned him the man-of-the-series award capped a fairytale comeback with robust performances in South Africa and in the series against West Indies.

Ganguly, who arrived from Visakhapatnam by Cormandel Express, was received at the Howrah station by his family and friends even as hundreds of fans jostled about to get a glimpse of their hero. Even as he waited patiently to alight form his rake, crowded by supporters who went crazy seeing their icon in flesh and blood.

Clad in jeans, a red T-shirt and white cap, a beaming Ganguly waved at his fans, who had been waiting since morning.

Police and RPF commandos initially had a tough time controlling the crowd, but they later managed to throw a cordon around Ganguly and escorted him out.

''Every success makes the team happy,'' said the southpaw.

Later, at his Behala residence, Ganguly told reporters, ''I am looking to rest for the next few days. There is about a month to go before the World Cup. India's first game is on March 17. There is still time. I will start thinking of the World Cup after I go to West Indies.'' Asked what it felt like to play with Yuvraj Singh once again, he said, ''It was nice playing with him.'' ''I was out of the team for eight months. I have played with Yuvraj and the others. But coming back into the team was like back home,'' he added.

UNI