Former England skipper Nasser Hussain says he faced problems similar to those of Sourav Ganguly, who was asked to step down from captaincy, because of poor form with the bat.

"Sourav was an excellent captain when I played against him [as England captain in 2002-03 in India]. I too have had differences with [current England coach] Duncan Fletcher due to lack of runs. But we used to present a united front to the media," Hussain told reporters at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai on Monday.

Hussain, on a private visit to India and in Mumbai after holidaying in Goa, echoed other cricketers' feelings that dressing room discussions should remain private and within its confines.

"Things discussed in the dressing room should remain there only. I feel that a captain's value to the team is huge. All the players look up to the captain.

"Captains like Mike Brearley (England), Steve Waugh (Australia) and Ganguly are all-rounders (their contributions not confined only to making runs)," he said.

Ganguly had revealed to media persons after scoring a century in the first Test against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo that he was asked to step down from captaincy by coach Greg Chappell.

Chappell's suggestion created a major controversy in Indian cricket.

But Hussain was quick to add that Ganguly also needs to score runs so that he can talk to his players on an equal basis.

"Then only he can question any player not scoring runs on his face," Hussain said.

Talking about the upcoming Super Series, Hussain pointed out that World XI side that will take on Australia is incomplete in the absence of Sachin Tendulkar, who opted out because of his tennis elbow injury.

"A world eleven without Sachin is not a world eleven," he said, adding "because he is one of the greats to have played the game; the Australians hold him as the closest thing to Bradman, if not better.

"Doing well against Australia has been the benchmark for most cricketers. If there is one player who all the great Australian cricketers, like Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath, will pick out as the toughest they have played against, it will be Sachin."

Complete coverage: Indian Cricket's Mahayuddh