New Delhi: When cricket is mired in yet another match-fixing controversy, Sourav Ganguly, Indian’s former captain who led Bengal to their first ever title win in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Monday, said that it seems to be another media speculation and that he finds no truth in the allegation made by The Sunday Times that India-Pakistan semi-final match in the World Cup was fixed.
“I don’t think so. People should prove before saying such things because it spoils the spirit of game. There seems to be little substance in the report published in a London newspaper. I don't know how they have got the information but let me tell that India are world champions and nobody can take that away from us," Ganguly told reporters after winning Vijay Hazare Trophy finals versus Mumbai.
Meanwhile, when asked about India's chances in Asia Cup against teams like Sri Lanka and Pakistan, Dada said that though Sri Lanka are in good form and reached the finals of CB series in Australia, the men in blue still have a good chance to win the series. “They have surely gained confidence after defeating Sri Lanka in their last league match by scoring 321 runs only in 37 overs. So, Sri Lanka will not take them lightly but they always give a good fight to their opponent. So, India have to do a lot of hard work on the field.”
Talking about Pakistan as a team, he said that they are a good side. “Pakistan's batting and bowling has improved a lot even after facing turmoil in the team. And they have done good in the recent series against England. So they are also boosted with confidence. But the scenario is different when it’s against Pakistan. And lot depends on Dhoni's captaincy,” said Ganguly.
When asked about the players who should be played in the series, he said it's all up to the coach and the captain. “But Ashok Dinda in the whole season has played really well and taken wickets, so you can't make a bowler sit for long time and there are bowlers like Irfan Pathan and Praveen who can win matches for you. And there are batsmen like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Yusuf Pathan and Ravindra Jadeja who can pull the match and win it for you. And there is Gautam Gambhir and Sachin Tendulkar, who will always give their best.”
By Avinash Kr. Dhar
