Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is optimistic of Indian team scaling the summit in international cricket very soon.
“This is a very young side with lots of new faces after the retirements of some of the greats like VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble.
“So, naturally, this is a period of transition and the boys have the potential to be world-beaters,” said Ganguly in an informal chat on the sidelines of a business trip here on Friday.
The 40-year-old whose record as the most successful Test captain (21 wins from 49 Tests) was erased by current Indian captain M.S. Dhoni, feels it will be great to beat Aussies 4-0 in the on-going series.
“Mind you, Ferozeshah Kotla pitch is not going to be easy to play on. But it should be a wonderful feeling to win 4-0 considering that the Indian team had tough time in the last 22 months losing the Test series in England, Australia and against England at home,” he said.
Cannot predict
Questioned whether it would be a trend in the coming days of teams winning more games at home, Ganguly felt it was too early to say something like that.
“South Africa and England have beaten sides abroad. So, we can’t say it will be the trend in future. Yes, it is important to beat teams abroad. Definitely, playing at home has a huge advantage.
“But I am looking for the days when Dhoni’s team starts beating teams abroad too. I will very happy if they achieve what the Indian teams did a couple of years ago,” he added.
“Right now Duncan Fletcher is the coach of the Indian team which has won three straight Tests against Australia. Let us feel happy about that. I am not thinking of donning that role right now,” quipped Ganguly to a query.
Here to stay
Referring to the Indian Premier League starting next month, the former India captain believes that it is always either playing or watching IPL.
“It has come to stay. Difficult to say which team will win this time around. We have seen different teams win in different editions.
“Who know it can be a different side this year. Sunrisers looks good after getting some new faces. I wish them best of luck,” he said.
Ganguly said that he was not doing TV commentary for all the matches because of his other commitments. “Yes, I enjoy it a lot for it is a different platform and gives you a rare chance to share some thoughts with so many people around,” he concluded.
