Australian skipper Ricky Ponting praised his Indian counterpart Sourav Ganguly's ability as captain and one-day player saying his return to action would rejuvenate the hosts in their crucial last two games.

"Ganguly is a very good leader. His return to the field would bring a spring in the steps of the Indians," said Ponting ahead of his team's clash with New Zealand in a tri-series match on Sunday.

"He is also a great one-day player who has more than 20 one-day hundreds to his name," Ponting said.

The Indian skipper, who missed the second Test against New Zealand at Mohali and the first four matches of the tri-series due to an abscess on his left thigh, would join the team for the November 12 match against Australia in Bangalore.

Ponting also lauded the Indian team despite its two consecutive defeats in the tournament saying it was a tough opponent in home conditions.

"A couple of losses may not have augured well for the side. But they are a very good team," he said.