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In an exclusive chat with News18, legendary captain Sourav Ganguly has picked India as the favourites to win the Champions Trophy.
Sourav Ganguly has high hopes from the Indian cricket team. (PTI Photo)
The legendary Sourav Ganguly has picked India as not just the favourites to beat Pakistan in their upcoming clash at the ongoing Champions Trophy but to win the competition itself. The former India captain and BCCI president feels that the current Indian side is ‘the best in the world’ across departments and therefore expects them to do justice to their top billing by winning the tournament.
Ganguly says that Virat Kohli doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone despite his recent struggles and doesn’t think that Rohit Sharma should be judged based solely on his Test performances.
News18 caught up with Ganguly and he opened up on a range of topics.
Excerpts
What is your prediction for the Champions Trophy?
For me, India are the favourites to win their clash against Pakistan. India are now the best team in the world, be it batting or bowling, they’re the number one side and should do well (at the Champions Trophy).
What are your impressions on Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as India head coach so far?
We should give some more time to Gambhir. Champions Trophy is going to be very important for him.
Virat Kohli hasn’t been at his best in recent times. What do you think?
Kohli is one of the best batsmen in the world. He is capable and will solve his own problem. He has done so well all through his career, has scored 81 centuries (in international cricket) and does not have to prove anything.
Kohli has been getting dismissed in similar fashion. How do you think he can overcome the challenge?
Entire India is talking about this but he is the best player (to work it out). He knows what needs to be done. He will solve his own problem.
Are you happy with Rohit Sharma’s performances?
Rohit is one of the best batsmen in the world. Nobody should judge him based on his Test performances (alone). India have a strong batting line-up. We have batters till number 8 which is our positive point.
With Jasprit Bumrah not being part of the Champions Trophy, do you think India have the right balance in their bowling attack?
The wicket of Dubai is different and teams aren’t expected to score huge totals on it. With Bumrah not part of the squad, Mohammed Shami will have to lead the attack and he’s a fine fast bowler. Being in the rhythm will be key for Shami.
You agree with India’s bowling combination?
I think the team combination that Gambhir is going with – 3 spinners and two fast bowlers – is right.
India are preferring KL Rahul over Rishabh Pant as the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in ODIs. What’s your take?
Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul both are fine players and capable of making the squad. The Indian coach has decided the team combination, and he will pick right players as per the wicket of Dubai.
Do you think Shubman Gill has started assuming more responsibility now?
He is in very good form right now. India have been at their best in white-ball cricket. Anybody who has played against India will say the same thing that they are the best (in white-ball cricket).
Restrictions have been put on players taking their families for the tours now. Your thoughts?
I can’t comment on this. What I can say is that this tournament (Champions Trophy) is very important for Gambhir and India will do well.
Any update on which actor will play your role in your biopic?
Rajkumar Rao will be playing my role and shooting will start soon.
You recently met with an accident…
Nothing big, minor.
