Virat Kohli should carry the legacy and not just numbers, says Sourav Ganguly

Indian team led by Virat Kohli has done a commendable job so far at home. Winning the series has just been like a hot knife through butter. But, they will surely be tested in unfamiliar climes as they tour South Africa post the home series against Sri Lanka.

Former Indian skipper and current CAB President Sourav Ganguly has voiced his opinion on Virat Kohli to carry the legacy as the game is not just about numbers. Ganguly also urged Virat Kohli & Co to pull off something spectacular in overseas. India are unbeaten at home since the 3-2 ODI loss and 2-0 T20I loss to South Africa in 2015.

India under the astute leadership traits of Virat Kohli have done incredibly well so far. India also became the second team after Australia to have won 9 consecutive Test series wins in which Virat Kohli played an important role, equalling the world record set by Ricky Ponting’s tally of nine consecutive Test series wins.

“It’s too early to say, you only say after they have completed the entire circle of home and away. They have just done the home bit, I think 90 percent of cricket they played in those nine series wins was at home and then they go away now for the remaining about 15 Test matches on the trot away. So, if they can do well, yes why not [call them the best],” he said while speaking to India Today.

It will be interesting to see how the dominant Indian team performs in the overseas conditions. If they pull off the ropes then they are the best according to Ganguly. He added saying that during his times, Australia and West Indies were by far the greatest teams.

“Best in the world and history is Australia, during our era and the West Indies in our time. We [current Indian team] have nine series win, out which I think seven in India so, they have to go away and do well,” the 45-year-old added.

“What will be important for Virat is not just numbers but the legacy. When you judge captain, how good they are, whether they are greats or all-time greats, it’s also about the legacy and about what they do.

As I said 15 Test matches to follow, if he does well, wins a series away and does well in England, South Africa and Australia, he will be hailed as one of the greats,” Ganguly concluded.

India’s tour of South Africa kicks starts with the three-match Test series. The first one is scheduled to be played from January 5 onwards.