Sourav Ganguly: You can't compare captains of different eras

Sourav Ganguly (l) with Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly stayed away from comparisons while answering the question about current captain MS Dhoni but said he has done wonders for Indian cricket, and will lead the team when they try to defend the World Cup in Australia 2015.

Dhoni, on his part, has done his reputation no harm as he led India to ICC Champions Trophy triumph last week.

According to IBN Live, Ganguly said: “Dhoni has been an outstanding captain. His record as captain is terrific. He still has a lot of cricket left in him and he has done wonders to Indian cricket.

“Dhoni backs players as well. People like Raina, Jadeja, and Rohit Sharma have developed under him as players and he has some terrific qualities as a leader.”

After winning ICC Champions Trophy, Dhoni, 31, has won all the major ICC events from the T20 World Cup in 2007 to ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. India also won the blue ribbon event, the 2011 ODI World Cup, under his captaincy.

When asked about the next World Cup in Australia, Ganguly, under whom India reached 2003 World Cup final in South Africa said, “I am sure he has got the 2015 World Cup at the back of his mind. He is young, a terrific ODI player and there is no reason why he won’t be captain.”

Dhoni has reiterated on many occasions that secret to his success is to keep things simple. But, Ganguly has a different view.

“Well, you try to keep things simple…You try! Dhoni looks okay from outside. There must be a lot of pressure from inside. Situations are something you react to and he looks less fussy. But whatever it is, he has done a marvelous job for India,” Ganguly said.

Ganguly remained evasive when asked about his thoughts on comparison with Dhoni.

“I really don’t know why people are comparing me with Dhoni. I don’t think it will be possible for me to compare myself with him. I don’t believe in comparisons. You can’t compare players or captains or people of different eras.

“Situations are different and you react differently,” Ganguly signed off.