"Everyone had presumed that he would be bounced out on these pitches but he did very well," remarked Vengsarkar, reflecting on India's historic Test win, their first on South African soil.

"He stood his ground. He took time to get moving but it was an exceptional performance."

Ganguly's return to international cricket has been highly impressive and the decision to recall the former skipper to the Test squad has been largely credited to Vengsarkar.

"I wouldn't alone take credit for it, it was a decision of all selectors. Laxman, Kumble, Zaheer and Ganguly have a great deal of experience in Tests and one-dayers and I am glad they did exceedingly well."

Vengsarkar was also heartened by the performance of young S Sreesanth who took eight wickets for 99 runs and earned the man of the match award in the first Test.

"His performance and control was exceptional but he has to control his exuberance. He gets too excited. Otherwise he will be fined by the match referee all the time."

Vengsarkar was all praise for the brave decision taken by captain Rahul Dravid to bat first on a wicket which had wet patches.