World Cup 2019: There were too many gentlemen in my team, says Sourav Ganguly

World Cup 2019: There were too many gentlemen in my team, says Sourav Ganguly

IANSUpdated: Wednesday, July 10, 2019, 01:41 PM IST
article-image
Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly | Photo Credit: Twitter

Manchester: Former skipper Sourav Ganguly has revealed that there were "too many gentlemen" in the team when he captained India and joked that's why his side struggled with mental battles against tough opponents such as Australia.

Speaking during the rain interruption in India's World Cup semifinal clash against New Zealand at the Old Trafford, Ganguly said: "It was very hard with that team, because we had too many gentlemen. If you ask Rahul Dravid to do that, he'll come back and say 'No no no that's not the right way to play.'

"You ask V.V.S. Laxman to do that, he'll say 'I'm concentrating on my batting.' And if you tell Sachin to do it, he will stand at mid-on and tell the mid-wicket fielder to sledge Steve Waugh, and himself not do it," Ganguly revealed with Laxman laughing alongside him.

The 47-year-old, speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live Show, further said that only off-spinner Harbhajan Singh was the one who followed his instructions. "There were a lot of issues in that team. The only ones holding the Indian flag were Harbhajan Singh and Sourav Ganguly. Sardarji did everything I told him to do," he said.

Ganguly was the captain of the Indian team from 2000 to 2005, a period when India beat Australia in a Test series at home and drew a Test series in Australia. On Tuesday, rain played a spoilsport as the semifinal clash was pushed to the reserve day with New Zealand 211/5 after 46.1 overs.

RECENT STORIES

'By winning World Cup 2019, Morgan has climbed Everest'

'By winning World Cup 2019, Morgan has climbed Everest'

Sir Ben Stokes? Could be possible, say British PM candidates

Sir Ben Stokes? Could be possible, say British PM candidates

Sharing World Cup was an option to be considered if finalists can't be separated: New Zealand coach...

Sharing World Cup was an option to be considered if finalists can't be separated: New Zealand coach...

Went to default mode during New Zealand's Super Over: Jos Buttler

Went to default mode during New Zealand's Super Over: Jos Buttler

World Cup 2019: No one lost final, there was a crowned winner, says Kane Williamson

World Cup 2019: No one lost final, there was a crowned winner, says Kane Williamson