CT 2017: Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan back India to outplay Sri Lanka

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly believes that the Indian team can totally outplay the opposition Sri Lanka in their next match of the ICC Champions Trophy. He believes that there is only one way in which the Islanders can have a sniff in the match. That will by building up the scoreboard pressure. In the previous game, both teams have had contrasting fortunes.

Team India had romped home with a thrashing win over Pakistan. On the other hand, Sri Lanka endured a crushing defeat at the hands of South Africa. As per the recent quotes in India Today, Sourav Ganguly has urged Sri Lanka to opt to bat first if they win the toss.

“Sri Lanka will have to bat India out of the game. If they put India in to bat and if they don’t get wickets early on, India will again get 320-330 and it will be very difficult for Sri Lanka to win. If I was captain, I will try and win the toss, bat without any pressure see if we can get to 320-330 and then put pressure back on India,” quoted Sourav Ganguly.

Only scoreboard pressure can beat India

He further added that only scoreboard pressure can beat India. He noted that the current Indian team is a very strong outfit. The only way one can tame this Indian is by having a very good bowling attack like the Proteas or the Aussies.

“The only way you can beat India is by scoreboard pressure or you get them stuck on a pitch which is doing a bit, a damp surface where they are 40/4 early on. I don’t see any other of Sri Lanka beating them. I see this Indian team a very very strong side and you need a very good bowling attack maybe something like the South Africans, or the Australians or the English to actually control this Indian batting,” said Ganguly.

Considering the most recent records, team India should fancy their chances in the match. In their last 10 matches against Sri Lanka, they have won on 8 occasions. Sourav Ganguly believes the number will improve even more. The fact that India have their noses ahead at the neutral venues will give India the edge over the oppositions.

“It could be 9 out of 11, India are just a better side. Even with Sangakkara and Jayawardene in their side, I don’t think Sri Lanka has beaten India in neutral venues. I really have not seen Sri Lanka get the better of India in these conditions. I really see this Indian side getting past Sri Lanka,” quoted Ganguly.

Harbhajan speaks on the same lines

Veteran Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh also spoke on the same lines. He admitted that it will be unfair to rule the opposition out but has backed India to win the game. He further noted that Sri Lankan batsmen had struggled against South African spinners in the previous match. Hence, team India must make use of this aspect when they head into the match.

“There is no doubt about that we won’t win against Sri Lanka. Let’s just take one game at a time. Obviously you can’t take things for graned but I still feel if we play well enough we should be able to get the result we want. And from there onwards we will see what happens against South Africa,” quoted Harbhajan Singh.

“I have seen in the last game between South Africa and Sri Lanka where only Tahir got few wickets but others spinners were not able to get anything out of the wicket. This is a nice true wicket to bat on and you have to be a really good spinner to spin the ball on the Oval pitch,” he added further.