Sourav Ganguly backs Virat Kohli on his decision to miss Afghanistan Test

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly backs the Virat Kohli move to skip the Afghanistan Test in order to pursue a feat with the greater importance that lies ahead of him in the near future. Ganguly, who has always laid emphasis on the importance of winning Test matches overseas, was in full support of Kohli, who wants to put to rest his struggle against the moving ball in England in the upcoming tour.

There’s no hiding the fact that the Indian skipper wants to better his records as a player from the previous tour to England. Kohli had a below average outing in 2014 after he managed just 134 runs in the entire series, scoring them at an average of 13.4. As a result, he has signed a deal with the English county side, Surrey which will see him playing three limited-overs and as many first-class matches in the month of June.

Opted out due to Afghanistan

After the skipper’s decision to opt out against the Afghanistan Test received some mixed reactions, Ganguly believes that his decision must have been supported by the fact that it is Afghanistan touring for their maiden Test match. “I think since the side in Afghanistan, he has chosen to play county. If it would have been any other team, he would have not gone, “Dada said.

“Dada heaped praises for the 29-year old on his will to do well against the English in their own backyard. “It just shows how important the England tour is for him. I have always maintained, a captain’s recognition is how well he and his team does overseas,” Ganguly said, as quoted by IANS.

Being India’s most successful skipper to have ever led them in overseas condition, the 45-year old doesn’t see a finger being raised on Virat’s ability as a batsman. In his views, India is a top-notch side and are capable to beat Afghanistan even without the services of their skipper.

“Virat Kohli as a batsman, there is no question. As a captain, he wants to win so that is the reason [he has gone on to play county cricket]. India will still beat Afghanistan without Virat Kohli. And hopefully, they can do well in England.”

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