Virat Kohli is rightly the No.1 batsman in the World, says Sourav Ganguly

SportsCafe Desk
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Sourav Ganguly has stated that Virat Kohli, with his undeterred focus and determination, is justifiably the No.1 batsman in the World right now. He also stated that the most authentic format of the game still continues to be the greatest challenge for the cricketers as was seen in Edgbaston.

With his brilliant batting performance at Edgbaston against challenging conditions, Kohli has proved that he is the epitome of composure and determination. Among the many who heaped praised on Kohli, former India skipper Sourav Ganguly was one who came out and said that Kohli's dedication and skills rightfully make him the No.1 batsman in the World.

“Virat Kohli’s conviction and determination in difficult situations, his selection of shots, and ability to dominate the bowlers in every sphere of the game is extraordinary. He is rightly the No. 1 batsman in the world. He may not have been at his fluent best at Birmingham but his attitude of not giving up stands tall,” Ganguly told TOI.

“This is also an example of batsmanship: Even if it’s not your day, you still make the runs. It’s a huge statement that the other batsman need to stand up. I believe that this batting line-up has the ability to score runs in these conditions. Virat, the leader, has a job on hand. He will have to get this team going. The confidence needs to be brought back: It’s more in the mind and that will be his challenge on this tour,” he added.

Referring to the Test at Birmingham, Ganguly stated that there was numerous unexpected turn of events, and the match could be viewed as the ideal Test match. With India trailing 1-0, India would be hoping to clone the results of 2014 Test match at the Lord's in the second Test coming Thursday.

“The first Test was another bright example of why the original version of the game continues to be the ultimate test. It was a humdinger of a battle with the pendulum swinging this way and that every now and again. Ultimately, the team that held its nerves and delivered when it mattered came out on top,” he said.

Ganguly also praised the Indian bowlers stating that they had taken up their job hands-on striking England incapable at many points limiting them to 287 and 180 runs in respective innings. In his acknowledgment, he specifically stressed upon the performance of Ravichandran Ashwin, projecting him as a significant threat for the opponents.

“The positive thing for India is the bowling. All the bowlers did a grand job, especially Ashwin. He has added more variety to his repertoire and will continue to be a massive threat. I remember talking about Ashwin in my preview to this series and I am happy with the way he has presented himself. He is conscious about the need to succeed overseas and has improved immensely since the time his spot was challenged by younger players,” he said.

“The selection of Ollie Pope is a strategy to counter the off spin of Ashwin. India need to think about a second spinner at Lord’s. It’s been very hot and history shows it spins at Lord’s and, as far as I’m concerned, Kuldeep Yadav would be the right choice,” Ganguly added.

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