Winning the IPL is more difficult than winning World Cup: Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly said that Rohit Sharma was the best option to replace Virat Kohli as the skipper of the Indian team across formats.

Recently, Rohit had to face the ire of the netizens after India crashed to a heavy defeat at the hands of Australia in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) at the Kennington Oval in London.

India lost the match by 209 runs and lost their fourth ICC final in the last 10 years. However, Ganguly reckoned that Rohit is still the best option to lead India at the highest level. He said that having captained Mumbai Indians (MI) to five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles, Rohit has the ingredients to be a successful skipper.

Ganguly, who previously worked as the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), backed Rohit, saying that winning the IPL is more difficult than winning the World Cup.

Rohit is the best for the job
“The selectors needed a captain after Virat left and Rohit was the best that time. He had won 5 IPL trophies and done well at the international level as well; he won the Asia Cup. He was the best option. India also played in the final of the Test championship, although we lost.

“Even two years ago, we lost the WTC final. We reached the semis of the T20 World Cup. So, the selectors picked that person who was the best for the job,” Ganguly was quoted as saying to Aaj Tak.

Ganguly was of the opinion that even as it needs 4-5 matches for teams to advance to World Cup semis, sides need to go through 17 matches to win the IPL.

“I have full faith on Rohit. He and MS Dhoni have won 5 IPL titles. Winning the IPL isn’t easy because it’s a tough tournament. Winning the IPL is more difficult than winning a World Cup as there are 14 matches after which you take part in the playoffs. In the World Cup, it takes only 4-5 matches for a place in the semis. In the IPL, it takes 17 matches for you to become champions,” he added.