Good to see India dominating both home and away: Sourav Ganguly

Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly has lavished praise on India’s top-order following the team’s thumping 7-wicket win over New Zealand on Monday. India continued their fine run in the 50-overs format to dismantle the hosts and take an unassailable three-nil lead in the five-match series. The template of the win was pretty much the same as it has been in recent times. The bowlers managed to assert their authority over the opposition while India’s formidable top-three of Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma continued their dominance.

Batting first, New Zealand recovered from 59 for 3 and were well placed at 178 for 3 courtesy of a century-plus stand between Ross Taylor and Tom Latham. However, once Yuzvendra Chahal broke the stand by sending back Latham, New Zealand lost their way and were all out for just 243. Mohammed Shami starred with the ball, picking up three wickets while Yuzvendra Chahal, Hardik Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up two apiece.

Rohit and Kohli then starred with the bat, scoring fifties each before Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik shared an unbeaten 77-run stand and shouldered India to a series-clinching win.

“It’s been a better performance than Australia. It has been complete domination and it’s good to see them dominate at home and away as well. The confidence has been great and it’s quite impressive to see the bowlers get them out in 50 overs. It’s been a great year for India in ODIs,” Ganguly told IndiaTV.

“Especially Rohit and Kohli, who have been so consistent, you don’t have such a top order in any other team in the world. India are ahead of other teams in ODI cricket,” he added.

Pandya showed ‘great mental strength’

The legendary batsman also had some words of praise for comeback man Hardik Pandya who was playing his first match after the suspension on him for his ‘sexist’ remarks on a TV show was lifted. The all-rounder picked up two wickets for 45 runs and pulled off a stunning catch to dismiss Kane Williamson.

“He (Pandya) showed great mental strength. With time, everything cools off and his approach to the match was also quite better. He adds to the strength of the team,” said Ganguly.

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