NEW DELHI: Former Indian captain
Sourav Ganguly was all praise for West Indies skipper
Jason Holder as his team levelled the five-match series against India with a 43-run victory in the third ODI at Pune.
In his column for the Times of India, Ganguly wrote, "What the West Indies missed out on by a whisker at Vizag was achieved by them at Pune on Saturday. It was indeed an impressive victory by Jason Holder and his boys which means that the series is now set up nicely for some exciting cricket over the last two games. After a very one-sided Test series, the West Indies have really put up a very impressive show in limited-overs. Holder has been impressive with his leadership abilities and the likes of
Shai Hope,
Shimron Hetmyer, and
Ashley Nurse have indicated that all is not down in the dumps for Caribbean cricket."
Ganguly added that
Virat Kohli should not be compared to any other player and one should sit back and enjoy the brilliant show being put up by the Indian captain in the series.
"Coming to India, once again it has totally been a Virat Kohli show. One is at a loss of words when it comes to talking about his superlative talent. There are already lot of comparisons. Some are saying his talent and domination are of 'Bradmansque' proportions, some are already commenting on whether he will go past the Sachin '100'. Comparisons have also featured
Brian Lara and
Viv Richards
but my point is simple: let statistics take care of themselves. Rather, what we should be doing is sitting back and enjoying this man's class. Along with his ability as a player what stands out is his hunger for runs," Ganguly wrote.
Ganguly expressed concern about the poor form of the Indian middle order pointing out that Lokesh Rahul should be given a chance in the Indian playing XI.
"India has a lot to think about. I still believe Lokesh Rahul shouldn't be sitting out.
Jasprit Bumrah has once again shown he is different but one has to take note of the unit as a whole because in three matches the opponents have scored more than 900 runs and that too in Indian conditions. The middle-order desperately needs to be given a good look. The selectors are leaving it too late," Ganguly signed off.