Sourav Ganguly Verdict- India was very close to lifting the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 trophy. However, they suffered heartbreak against New Zealand in the semi-final. Team India was extremely dominant in the group stages but failed to chase down a total of 240 runs in the semis. New Zealand fast bowlers blew away the Indian strong top order. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul perished cheaply. India were 92 for six the loss of six wickets at one stage.
Then, MS Dhoni along with Ravindra Jadeja fought hard and steadied the ship. Ravindra Jadeja played the best innings of his ODI career. However, their efforts were not enough to guide India home as they lost the match by 18 runs.
What Sourav Ganguly said in the latest episode of India Today Inspiration?
Recently, former India skipper and current BCCI President, Sourav Ganguly talked about India’s performance in the World Cup. He feels that World Cups are all about winning in the knockout rounds. Ganguly said that India has ‘tremendous’ players, but they need to put up a stellar display in semi-finals and finals to win World Cups.
Ganguly himself led the Indian Team to the finals of the World Cup 2003. However, his team lost to Australia in the finals. It was a painful moment for the Men In Blue. There was a huge buildup to that tournament. However, the team nearly got the job done.
“We will (win). In England, we played well. Despite that, we lost an important game. The World Cups are like that. We played exceptionally well in 2003 and lost the final. That is what the World Cup is. We will have a chance every time. We have tremendous players in this team who can take away World Cups. Then the World Cups are also about winning semi-finals and finals.”
Sourav Ganguly said that he has had constant interaction with Virat Kohli and Rahul Dravid
Dada even said that he has had constant communication with Indian captain Virat Kohli and NCA head Rahul Dravid, to plan the resumption of Indian cricket action. However, the way the COVID-19 cases are rising in the country has worried the players. Ganguly said that the current situation in Mumbai, where Virat Kohli currently lives, is an absolute nightmare.
What The Current BCCI President Said?
“Yeah, I am in touch with them. I have spoken to the captain a couple of times. I am in touch with the NCA head. Players are also very worried because the numbers are so high. The captain comes from Mumbai where it is an absolute nightmare at the moment. So it is quite natural that he will be a little worried. All of us are.”
Ganguly is also worried about the Future Tours Program (FTP). He said that even a minute change would affect international cricket.
“It is applicable to everything. Domestic cricket is still fine. Even if you delay it by two months, it does not make that sort of a difference but if you are delaying international cricket, the FTPs and the IPL, every cycle goes for a toss. The World Test Championship goes for a toss, the ODI championship goes for a toss, so everything changes.”
