India are a better side on good surfaces than on turning pitches: Sourav Ganguly

India suffered a 19-run loss in Ranchi as New Zealand squared the series. Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly believes that team India is not solely dependent on Virat Kohli.

“That’s why Virat Kohli is such a great player. Every time he gets a hundred, even in the last game he got 154*, India wins the game. I don’t know what would have happened if Ross Taylor would have taken that catch. India at 60/3 and anything would have happened. But I think there are other match winners in the side who have won games for India,” quoted Ganguly.

He added, “Rohit Sharma has been off colour this series and hasn’t got runs. MS at No.4 he got stuck on a poor surface. He struggles against left-arm spinners on turning pitches. When the ball goes away from him he finds it difficult to rotate the strike. If you look at his strike rate it’s different for MSD. One thing India need to understand that when you have young players like Kedar Jadhav and Manish Pandey, you have to play on good surfaces. India are a better side on good surfaces than on turning pitches.”

Dada was impressed by the move to send Axar Patel up the order at No.5. He said the move was to take pressure off Dhoni. When there are two right-handers at the crease and left arm spinner is in action and ball is turning square it is never easy to rotate strike.

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Dada further added, “Got to give credit to New Zealand. They played very well and read the wicket better than India. Dew hasn’t had any effect in the series whether it’s in Delhi, Mohali or Ranchi. They have defended well and their bowlers bowled outstandingly. New Zealand have reacted better to turning pitches than India.”