Virat Kohli is the best in the world at the moment, says Sourav Ganguly
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly said that he did not want to compare Steve Smith and Virat Kohli, stressing that the India captain is still the best in the world at the moment. However, Ganguly acknowledged that Smith’s record, which already includes 26 Test hundreds, speaks for itself.
Smith added 80 ranking points to his name during an incredible Ashes series, where he scored 774 runs in seven innings at an average of 110.57, to sit atop the ICC Test Rankings for batsmen. 34 points behind him is the Indian skipper Kohli on 903, but the former skipper is not in the mood to compare the two modern greats like every other cricket lover on the planet.
"These are questions not to be answered. How does it matter? It's about performance. Virat is the best in the world at the moment. So that's what makes us happy, His (Smith’s) records speak for itself... 26 Test hundreds which is a phenomenal record." Ganguly was quoted telling reporters on Monday by TOI.
Ganguly, who was in Kolkata for the launch of the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K, was also quizzed about his ambitions of being the next head coach of the national team. Currently, he serves as the team advisor for the IPL franchise Delhi Capitals.Â
"Let one coach finish, then we will think about the other coach. In any case, I am already a coach. I look after the Delhi Capitals in the IPL. In my first season last year, they did well. They went to the semifinals from being last for the last seven years, so it's been good," Ganguly said.
Besides coaching, Ganguly is the President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), a cricket commentator, and the host of a popular Bengali quiz show.Â
Meanwhile, India is geared up to take on a transitioning South African side in three T20Is – the first of which was washed away – and three Tests. Two major talking points regarding the series is the presence or absence of MS Dhoni in the team and whether or not a young Indian side can stand its ground on home soil against the Proteas.
"(On Dhoni) I don't know what the selectors think, what Virat thinks. They are the important people, let them make the decision," Ganguly said
"(On the series) India are favourites. India at home is a dangerous team. They are very hard to beat and that's been the case for years," Ganguly added.