As India were looking to begin their campaign in right earnest to retain the Champions Trophy crown, skipper Sourav Ganguly spoke to this correspondent about his team's chances in the tournament. Following are excerpts:

Gulf News: Are you a bit relieved after the victory in the last match against England on Sunday?
Sourav Ganguly: Yes, it was a big relief. Had it been 0-3, all the critics before the tournament would have written us off. The morale of the boys would have been low. Now, with this win, at least some confidence is back. We have begun thinking positively.

Why did it take so long to get back to the winning mode?
Several factors were responsible. Batting, as I always said, being one. Then the hunger to win was not there either. Luck too was not on our side sometimes.

Were you sure about winning the match even after making only 204?
No. But the boys were eager to prove themselves. Harbhajan, Nehra, Pathan, Yuvraj – all of them were on their toes right from the break. They bowled us to victory. Again they proved that when the chips are down, they have the talent to rise to the occasion. But, my worries are still there. Let the tournament begin and see how we perform.

What about missing a hundred at Lords'? It seemed definitely within reach when you got out…
But I'm not repenting it. We wanted to win and my target was to be at the wicket for as many overs as possible. I was satisfied to be there till the 37th over. I know some people are saying that had I been there, the score would have reached 240-plus. But someone had to go after the bowling and so I did.

Sachin Tendulkar has not been seen at this hotel...
It's because of the ICC's rules. He will have to stay in another hotel since he is not part of the squad for the Champions Trophy.

You will not get Tendulkar's services in the Champions' Trophy at all. Isn't that demoralising for the team?
Well, we can't do anything about it. An international cricketer can get injured any day. We tried our best, but before the tournament begins we have to mentally prepare ourselves to try and play better even without him.

What about the opening issue? Will Laxman continue as opener?
No. Sehwag will be back at the top of the order in the Champions Trophy again. Laxman was not among big runs, but he was playing well and he has had this experience of opening the batting for India in the past. That's why you saw the change in the order last Sunday. But Veeru will be opening with me against Kenya on Saturday.

Pakistan are doing well and you'll meet them in the do-or-die on September 19 for a berth in the semifinals...
Yes, they beat us in Colombo and in Holland. But this is a different tournament and it's going to be a fresh match. So, I can't say they are ahead of us. You just can't predict the result of an India-Pakistan match. But following the win against England last Sunday, my gut feeling is we will make the semifinals.