ICC World Cup 2019: Sourav Ganguly Urges Not to Compare Virat Kohli's IPL Captaincy Record With That of India

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) done and dusted now, the focus has shifted to the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 in England and Wales. India will rely on their favourite son Virat Kohli to bring home the third title. However, Kohli didn’t have a good stint as a captain in the recently concluded IPL. But former India skipper Sourav Ganguly has insisted that Kohli’s IPL captaincy will have no impact on the World Cup as he enjoys a good record as an ODI skipper.

Meanwhile, the presence of MS Dhoni will be a massive benefit to Virat Kohli in the marquee event. Dhoni’s game reading ability is unparallel to anybody which will be in sight in England and Wales. Moreover, Kohli will have the support of Rohit Sharma who recently lifted the fourth IPL title beating Chennai Super Kings by one run. Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore were the first team to bow out of the tournament and suffered six straight defeats at the start of the season.

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Repeated failures raised speculations over Kohli’s leadership skills, but Sourav Ganguly feels it will have no bearing when the former will lead the Men in Blues in the World Cup. The former cricketer also added that there will be excellent support for Virat Kohli with Dhoni and Rohit Sharma in the team.

“Don’t compare Virat Kohli’s IPL captaincy record with that of India. His captaincy records for India is very good actually. He’s got Rohit Sharma in his team as the vice-captain. Dhoni is there. So he’s well supported,” Ganguly said.

Hardik will be very important: Ganguly

Moreover, Sourav Ganguly believes Hardik Pandya will play a significant role in the World Cup. He has been a match-winner for Mumbai Indians this season. The dynamic all-rounder has scored runs, picked wickets and has been brilliant in the field which will be a massive benefit for the Virat Kohli led Indian team. Ganguly said going by the current form, Pandya will be crucial for India.

“Hardik Pandya will play a key role. He is in tremendous form. He will be very, very important for India’s chances,” Ganguly concluded.