“Everyone has to perform otherwise he is out. I am prepared mentally if I don’t score runs I might get dropped also,” remarks Ganguly in his typically straightforward manner as his embattled side prepares to take on the mighty Australians in the final Test, starting here on Wednesday.

Ganguly, in his rein of five years during which he has emerged as the most successful captain ever, had assiduously built up the nucleus of a strong side which is in serious threat of disintegrating.

No less than four Indian players got the sack after India lost in Nagpur by 342 runs, their second biggest margin of defeat ever in terms of runs.

It included three talented young cricketers like Aakash Chopra, Yuvraj Singh and Parthiv Patel and even the seasoned, stylish VVS Laxman is said to have barely survived the axe.

“I requested selectors to keep him (VVS Laxman). You can’t omit a big batsman like him. What innings he has played against Australia in the past. You can’t forget that so early. Just wait he would be back among runs.

“As for Parthiv, it is very sad, unfortunate. The boy just couldn’t cope up. I have no doubt he is talented.”

Ganguly also felt sorry for Yuvraj but was confident the dashing Punjab left-hander would still be part of the one-day team.

“He tried his best but nobody can stay in the team if he doesn’t perform. But he would be part of the one-day team.”

Looking at the replacements, Ganguly wished best of luck to fellow state cricketer Shib Shankar Paul and Delhi opener Gautam Gambhir but doubted if Dheeraj Yadav can find place in the side.

“Yadav will have to wait. Gambhir will open in Mumbai, he has scored tons of runs lately.

“It is good for Paul that he has now earned a place in the Indian squad. It is difficult to say if he would be in the team. He has performed very well in the last two years.”

Despite the changes, the critics are still insistent that limited changes are unlikely to change the fortune of the team.

“Can you change the whole team? There is so much of cricket still ahead in the season. Everybody is criticising but at least we are trying.”

Ganguly was left to defend all barbs, personal or teamwise, from media and his fellow seniors, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, left as soon as the Nagpur Test was over.

Ganguly though explained that Dravid went to Mumbai as his father-in-law had undergone an operation.

“Even though I didn’t play in Nagpur, I am still the captain. I take responsibility.”

In the wake of India’s first series defeat to Australia in 35 years, rival captain Adam Gilchrist has opined that India might have committed mistake in going with two medium-pacers on a lively wicket at the VCA ground in Nagpur.

“When you win you can say so many things. Everyone is suggesting I should have played Nehra. But he has played on so many green-tops around the world. It is not as if he has run through those sides.”