Exclusive: What does Ganguly say about Kohli breaking Sachin’s record?

WhatsApp Image 2017-09-03 at 9.04.09 PM
Virat Kohli is 19 tons’ away from breaking the record of legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Image Source: XtraTime

Sabyasachi Bagchi, Kolkata: There is lot of speculations that whether India skipper Virat Kohli would break master blaster Sachin Tendulkar’s 49 ODI centuries world record or not. Virat equaled the record of Ricky Ponting’s 30 ODI tons’ last week when he scored a brilliant century during India’s last ODI against Sri Lanka. But according to the cricket pundits only Virat Kohli can break the record of the legendary cricketer. As per the former India skipper Sourav Ganguly, both of them are from different generations, but Virat has to cross a long way to break Sachin’s record.

“Virat has to cross a long path to break Sachin’s record. He is a remarkable player and I wish him all the very best for future,” said Sourav while talking to www.xtratime.in correspondent  Sabyasachi Bagchi.

Sachin had to face legendary bowlers like Glenn McGrath, Imran Khan, Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram and others during his career, on the other hand in the modern day cricket there are not much bowlers who can give a tough fight to Virat. On being asked about the matter Sourav said,” Both of them are from different generations, so facing a bowler of a below par standards is not in Virat’s hands. “

Eden Gardens is all set to host the second ODI between India and Australia on September 21. After 14 long-years the Mecca of Indian Cricket, Eden Gardens will host an ODI match between the Men in Blue and the Aussies. In 2003 Sourav was the skipper of the Indian team but he didn’t feature in that TVS Cup final due to an injury and India lost that match. Sourav looked a bit surprised after knowing the fact that Australia would be playing an ODI after such a long gap at the Eden Gardens.”It’s after that long? It would be a very good game and Australia is a pretty good side. We are preparing ourselves for the game. The pitch would be good for bat. Last time England came here in January and that was a high scoring game too.”

When asked whether the CAB has any special plans during the second ODI, he added,” We don’t have any special plans for the forthcoming ODI. We will do something special ahead of the next Test match.”

India registered a 9-0 victory over Sri Lanka in the recently concluded tour. Sourav lauded the team’s performance but according to him Virat & Co. would face the main acid test when they will tour South Africa, Australia and England.”The tour in Australia, South Africa and England would be much tougher but the way India has beaten Sri Lanka 9-0 is just remarkable. The team is doing really well in last two years against West Indies on their home soil, as well as they played extraordinary cricket against New Zealand, England and Australia at home. This is a very good team,” said Sourav.

On the forthcoming series between India and Australia, Sourav said,” It would be a hard fought series, but on home soil India is very tough to beat.”

Sourav looked pretty confident of starting the Bengal Premier League this season.” We are taking with star and they are ready to telecast the matches too. We are only thinking about the schedule of play. As you know, nowadays the cricketers always have a packed schedule,” concluded Sourav.

The biggest festival of all the Bengalies, Durga Puja is just a few days away. Sourav has decided to take complete rest during those four days of festival.