Chennai, Dec 1: Captain Rahul Dravid and coach Greg Chappell sought to downplay the issue of accommodating Sourav Ganguly in the line-up for India's first cricket Test against Sri Lanka starting here tomorrow.

"It is very hard to say but he is a very important member of the team and I don't see any problem (in working with Ganguly)," Chappell said on the eve of the match at the M A Chidambaram Stadium. 

Dravid was his typical diplomatic self when asked to comment on Ganguly.

'Katradhu Tamizh' Ram's next Diwali in Suburbs Rajini Still In A Dilemma! அஜீத் பேட்டி? ராம் இயக்கத்தில் சேரன்? கமல் பாராட்டிய டைட்டில்்

"He has played well in the past. We will also definitely have him as a bowler. However, it all depended on the condition of the wicket before we finalise the eleven. 

He is a very experienced player. I have always believed that I cannot do everything on my own, I look for support," Dravid said. 

Ganguly is back in the Indian dressing room after being kept out of the one-day series against Sri Lanka and South Africa following a spat with Chappell during the tour of Zimbabwe two months ago.

The 57-year-old former Australian captain had reportedly made his displeasure clear to the national selectors over Ganguly's inclusion for the first Test and was greeted with jeers from the Kolkata fans during the South Africa one-dayer last week. 

While Ganguly has one Test to prove himself as an "all-rounder", the task before the team management would be to find a batting slot for the ex-captain. (Our Correspondent)

Published: Thursday, December 01, 2005