Former India skipper Ganguly quells doubts over MS Dhoni's place in playing XI
Team India batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni hits out during the second T20I against SA at the Centurion on Wednesday. Pic/AP, PTI
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly yesterday supported wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni's contributions to the team at a time when the latter's position has been questioned. "Dhoni is very good in one-day matches and in T20s. It is very hard to get past him. You got to respect the contributions made by him. Others too will get an opportunity to shine," Ganguly said.
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Asked about the Indian team's performance in South Africa, he said that it has been a good tour for them so far. "They played very well in the one-day series. I hope they win the match (T20) on Saturday," Ganguly said. To another question on selection policy then and now, he said it was the same transparent one. "It is the best of Indian selection policy.
Sourav Ganguly
'Young players will shine'
On young players getting an opportunity in Indian cricket, Ganguly said a lot of young players represent the country. "We have Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya and others who have come in to play in our Indian side. We have to give them time to become the likes of Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh. "Sehwag and Harbhajan also developed over a period of time. Our young players will also do so," he said.
No issue with fitness
On the fitness of Indian cricketers, Ganguly said the Indian team is on par with international players. Asked to compare Indian men and women cricket teams, he said, "men are far better." "Women are doing exceptionally well in cricket. Have you seen anyone hit bigger sixes than Harmanpreet Kaur? However, the men are better," he quipped.
Ganguly was here to flag-off a walkathon as part of the All India Ophthalmology Conference as the brand ambassador of Essilor eye care equipment. He also batted for Twenty20 tournaments, saying without it, the game of cricket could not survive. Replying to a specific question on cricketers playing continuous matches without any rest, Ganguly said: "Twenty20 is a must for cricket. Without T20, cricket cannot survive."
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