Despite a disappointing stint in English county cricket so far, Sourav Ganguly [Images] hasn't given up hope of playing for India in next year's World Cup in the Caribbean.

"Well, if I thought it would not be possible (playing in the World Cup), I would not have been playing now. That is a dream for me and I am chasing it. I need runs to back myself and if I can do so, it will be okay," Ganguly said.

The former India captain, who is playing for Northamptonshire, believes that he can return to the national side if he has the performance to back him.

"Well, that is something I believe I should. That is the reason why I am here at the County cricket. I know I have to perform to come back to the team and I am trying to do so," he was quoted as saying by Gulf News on Wednesday.

Ganguly, who was injured in Northants' warm-up game against a Pakistan XI and has been advised a two-week rest, however, admitted not being impressive enough for the county.

"Yes, in England [Images], and at this time of the season, you need to survive the initial moments to go for a big score. I was not getting the start in the last few matches. But I have to make it big to be there," he said.

Ganguly also said he just had an informal chat with Pakistan manager Zaheer Abbas during the match.

"We met after a long time and had some usual chat. Nothing else," he said.

About the experience in his third stint for an English county, he said, "It is as enjoyable as it was last year. I know I'm here for a few days and I have to do everything in this period.

"I earnestly hope that I shall be making my mark in the first class matches too."

Asked about his opinion on the Twenty-20 format of the game, he replied: "The 240-ball game is a place where you have to hit it without thinking about anything else. This form of cricket has gained momentum here in England; people are coming to be part of the excitement.