Time and again, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has insisted that a team can be number one in Tests in true sense only after winning in every part of the world.
The Indian team reclaimed the number one rank in Tests after blanking New Zealand 3-0 in the recently-concluded series. With the team scheduled to play 10 more Tests in India in the ongoing season, it is expected that they will consolidate their position at the top but Ganguly, who is India’s most successful captain overseas, said that the team will face a real challenge when they visit England, Australia and South Africa.
Talking to India Today, Ganguly said:“India will win 50 per cent of the remaining Tests at home. But after that, the real tough time will start. Wherever India go, to England, Australia, South Africa, that will be the tough time. These numbers will only be held in high esteem once the numbers overseas go up for Kohli. With his foresight and hunger, he knows what is important and he will be looking to set that number right. I believe Kohli is the person to take Indian cricket forward. I believe in his captaincy because he is honest. He will have his own opinion. He will make mistakes but that is part-and-parcel of the sport. We wish him all the best knowing India will be very heavy on England and Australia in the home Tests coming up.”
Citing the example of the all-conquering Australian team of the early-2000s, Ganguly said that the current Indian team has the potential to go far.
“The only side we have seen win all over the world is Australia during the late-90s and early-2000s. They dominated everywhere. This side has got the ability. They have got a fabulous leader and spinners are bowling well. And even the fast bowlers were exceptional. Mohammad Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav bowled well with good pace in good areas, troubling the batsmen. So this is a good team. Hopefully, they can turn it around when they go overseas,” Ganguly added.
Meanwhile, Ganguly said that the performance of the current New Zealand team is one of their worst in some time.
“This is probably one of the worst New Zealand performances in India for some time. During the time we played, under Stephen Fleming, Kiwis were competitive in India. Even against MS Dhoni’s side recently, it wasn’t a whitewash,” Ganguly said.