Former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday expressed surprise at the omission of an in-form Manoj Tiwary in the ongoing tri-series in Australia. Talking to the reporters on the sidelines of the first practice session for the upcoming domestic one-dayers, the Bengal captain, said, "It's quite surprising that somebody who scored a century in his last outing (against West Indies) is made to sit out.

"But I'm sure opportunities would come for him. He has to remain patient," he added. The left-handed batsman also felt that out-of-favour off-spinner Harbhajan Singh would make a comeback. "What's wrong in playing two off-spinners (Ashwin and Harbhajan) together? I am sure Harbhajan will be back," he said.

On the ongoing tussle between the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) and Sahara India group, Ganguly who is the mentor and coach of Sahara Pune Warriors in IPL, said, "I am hopeful that the impasse would be resolved soon." The Sahara suffered a setback yesterday with BCCI president N Srinivasan making it clear after the working committee's meeting that the board will not bend rules for Sahara-owned IPL team Pune Warriors.

Ganguly, meanwhile, wished Yuvraj Singh's a speedy recovery. "The entire country is praying for him...I firmly believe he would come out a winner, fighting the disease. It will take some time but the age is on his side," Ganguly said about his Pune Warrior teammate.