A crowd gathered outside the left-hander's residence in a Southwest suburb, chanting "long live cricket, long live Sourav", and distributing sweets in celebration.

Ganguly even came out to greet his fans.

"I'm very happy to be back in the team," Ganguly told reporters later.

"I'll give my best. It is going to be a good series. Both are strong teams," the 33-year-old said.

Asked if this would be his last chance, the former captain said, "I don't know, I can't answer that."

Ganguly was axed 10 days ago after scoring 40 and 39 in the second Test against Sri Lanka, which the hosts won by 188 runs, missing the series clinching third Test which ended on Thursday.

The decision sparked a national outcry over the treatment meted out to India's most successful captain, who was sacked as skipper in October due to a prolonged batting slump and a row with coach Greg Chappell.

Public demonstrations were held in Kolkata and the issue even figured in the parliament.