Virat Kohli has got qualities to be one of India's great captains, says Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly has claimed that Virat Kohli has the qualities required to become one of India's great captains, but added that the latter's real test was yet to come. Ganguly also cited his delight with Ashish Nehra's selection for the T20 series and Hardik Pandya's performance against Australia.
India succeeded in thrashing Australia in the five-match ODI series by a score of 4-1 and with the victory, the men in blue successfully won their fourth ODI series of the year and their sixth in a row. Despite Virat Kohli not showing his exceptional batting against Australia, his
Sourav Ganguly has applauded Virat Kohli's leadership skills by saying that he has the qualities of a great captain and said that he will be tested in India's forthcoming overseas tours.
"Virat Kohli has got qualities of being one of India's great captains, there's no doubt about it. I think next 15 months will be important for him when India go to South Africa, England, Australia and the World Cup. I think he is in the right direction. He is preparing his team, he's picking players and giving opportunities," Ganguly told India Today.
"They will beat New Zealand and Sri Lanka, there's no doubt about it. India will be challenged when they go to South Africa but I feel this side has got the ability to do well there as well."
Moreover, Ganguly also spoke highly of Hardik Pandya, who was named as the man of the series for his brilliant show of skill with both bat and ball.Â
"Hardik Pandya has the qualities to help this Indian team but don't compare him with Kapil Dev at the moment. Kapil Dev was an absolute champion. We will talk about it 10-15 years down the line once Pandya keeps playing that long," said the 45-year-old.Â
"Let's enjoy his cricket, he is a good cricketer, he is a positive cricketer. He's a fighter and he has got heart when he plays cricket. That's what you look in a young cricketer. I wish him all the best
With the ODI series done and dusted, India and Australia have now shifted focus to the Twenty20 internationals which are scheduled to begin from October 7 in Ranchi.Â
"India completely dominated Sri Lanka and Australia. They have looked a far-far superior side in the batting and bowling departments. That has been the case for Indian cricket in the last one and a half years.
The 15-member Indian squad has been decided and players like Shikhar Dhawan and Ashish Nehra are making comebacks into the squad. Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane has been dropped for the series in spite of being in top form during the ODIs. Ganguly was thrilled with Ashish Nehra's comeback, who last played for India during the T20 series against England in January.
"It's a good news for Indian cricket that they have picked
