You cannot judge players based on IPL money: Sourav Ganguly

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly feels IPL is not an ideal yardstick to judge a player’s potential. The recently concluded IPL auction saw many lesser-known names fetch big bucks. The cash-rich tournament has had a reputation of throwing new faces in the limelight and this time too, many rookies will taste success. Ganguly led Kolkata Knight Riders and later on went on to represent Sahar Pune Warriors too.

Speaking to NDTV, Ganguly said that no player should be judged on the basis of IPL money. He cited the example of Hashim Amla. Amla is one of the most reliable batsmen in world cricket at the moment. But the Proteas man went unsold while on the other hand, Indian domestic cricketer Ishan Kishan was roped in by Mumbai Indians for a big sum.

Ganguly goes candid

“You cannot judge players based on IPL money. Hashim Amla (of South Africa) went unsold. He has 54 centuries. Delhi’s Ishan Kishan has got 6.2 crores (Mumbai Indians) playing only Ranji Trophy. So the IPL is not a yardstick to judge any player’s value.

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IPL is different format: Ganguly

“IPL is a different format and you have to look at it that way. IPL has no rationale, it is supply and demand. Jaydev Unadkat is the highest paid Indian player (in the 2018 auction). He has played two ODIs and no Tests,” Ganguly said.

Talking about the upcoming limited overs series, Ganguly said that it is too early to comment but captain Virat Kohli will have to come good with the bat if India are to win.“I can’t say before matches. It’s 50-50 now after India’s Jo’burg Test win. It won’t be easy in South African conditions. The advantage is that AB De Villiers is not there (for the first three matches due to a finger injury). He is a huge name for South African cricket. Virat has to score runs for India to win the series,” Ganguly said.

On being quizzed regarding the turn around in the third Test, Ganguly said, “When India won the toss, I thought they would win. I knew the more time will pass, the wicket will get worse. In 2006, the same thing. We won the toss and batted first so we won.”

Speaking about the controversial wicket at the Wanderers, Ganguly said it was one of those one-off cases. “In South Africa, you don’t get such wickets. I have played (in) 5-6 (tours) there, and I think it was an accident. In future, it won’t happen I think,” Ganguly said.

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