West Indies batting great Brain Lara praised Sourav Ganguly for his leadership skills among all the Indian captains that he had played against. He also heaped praise on current skipper M.S. Dhoni and his men and felt India can win the Champions Trophy if they continue in the same vein.
“Sourav is my favourite. His leadership against Australia in Australia was astonishing. I have great respect for him,” Lara said here.
He also praised Kapil Dev for leading India to the first World Cup win in 1983. “I expected West Indies to win and went to play in a street but came back to know that India won under Kapil Dev which was a great effort,” Lara shared.
Among his West Indian teammates, he felt Courtney Walsh was the best leader. “His stats might not show it and his tactics might not have been the best but I will love to emulate his leadership skills. Courtney knew his responsibility, did his hands dirty like a true leader,” he observed.
On Dhoni’s captaincy, Lara said, “Dwayne Bravo told me one of his key strengths in Dhoni is that he is a great listener and sets his goals well. Obviously over the last few years under the leadership of Dhoni, India have gained a lot of success.”
Commenting on India’s chances of winning the Champions Trophy, the Trinidadian said the team have been consistent and need to continue in the same vein.
“I think this is the one trophy that has eluded them. They have done very well. (Shikhar) Dhawan has been a top performer. I think it’s a great team.
“I want to praise the older heads like Sachin (Tendulkar), (Rahul) Dravid and all the players of recent past who have given these youngsters something to look up to.”