Impressed by India’s clinical performance against South Africa, former cricket captain Sourav Ganguly said the Proteas have not been outplayed like this in a “long long time” and Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s side can gain a lot of courage from such a display.
“I don’t remember South Africa being outplayed like this in a long long time,” said Ganguly.
If opener Shikhar Dhawan found form against Pakistan with a gutsy 73 then his 137 at the MCG yesterday was a delight to watch against one of the most potent bowling attacks of the world. Dhawan’s innings was laced with 16 fours and 2 sixes and Ganguly was all praise for a fellow left-hander.
“That innings against Pakistan has given Shikhar (Dhawan) just the kind of confidence he desperately needed and he showed great temperament to build on from where he left the other day to score a magnificent hundred,” India’s most celebrated left-hander said.
If Dhawan’s seventh ODI ton was the highlight of the Indian innings then Virat Kohli (46) and Ajinkya Rahane (79) also contributed with useful knocks but Ganguly still feels that the misfiring middle-order should find form.
“It is essential for the likes of Suresh Raina, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja to find some form in the tournament,” said Ganguly.
“Largely Team India has been dependent on Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane to score runs but the contribution from India’s middle order will play a crucial part as the tournament progresses,” he added.
The 127-run second wicket partnership between Kohli and Dhawan paved the way for India to post 307 for seven after electing to bat first. Ganguly opined that he was confident of an Indian victory after the team crossed the 250-run barrier.
“The moment India past 250 run mark, I was confident India will win,” he said.
