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Responding to an SOS from his beleaguered state side, Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly has decided to turn out for Bengal in the crucial Elite division Group 'A' Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh beginning in Kolkata from December 31.
"Yes, I'll be playing," Ganguly said here on Wednesday, confirming what was being speculated for the last few days.
Ganguly, who returned to the city last night after a 20-day tour of Bangladesh, came to the Eden Gardens for half an hour during the day and watched some of his Bengal teammates practicing.
Ganguly, however, said that he would not lead the side.
"No, no, I have no plans to lead," he said in response to queries from reporters.
After four back-to-back defeats, Bengal are in danger of being relegated from the Elite division. Having so far gleaned only four points from six games, the hosts need at least two points to avoid demotion to the Plate Division.
The officials of Cricket Association of Bengal had been fervently requesting Ganguly to play in the side's concluding group tie for the last few days.
They have also brought back from retirement veteran spinner Utpal Chatterjee for the match.