Sourav Ganguly says Virat Kohli is a class act

The first Test between India and England at Rajkot may have ended in a draw but that hasn't stopped former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly from showering his praise on the current Indian Test team captain Virat Kohli. During an exclusive interview given to India Today, Ganguly said that he was impressed by Kohli's approach in the fourth innings.

Kohli scored a gritty 49 in the second innings of the first Test between the two teams in what seemed like extremely difficult batting conditions at Rajkot. The captain, along with Ravindra Jadeja ensured that the Indian team didn't lose their way batting last and salvaged a draw from the contest.

Commenting on Kohli’s performance, Ganguly said:

"It shows his presence of mind. He hasn't lost the fun bit in spite of being under pressure. It also shows a very clear mind of Virat Kohli as Nasser Hussain said it on air very rightly that it just shows the clarity of his thoughts."

Speaking about Kohli's temperament to guard one side despite the consistent fall of wickets, Ganguly added:

"He was ready to take one ball at a time and play on its merit and that's why he's such a class act. It's good fun to watch and great to see... and for all the athletes, there is still a bit of fun in sport in spite of being under pressure."

The left-hander said that the Indian team did well to draw the first Test despite England having the upper-hand for a major part of the match. He was quoted as saying:

"India have played well to be honest. I don't think India, except those catches early on in the first session on the first day, have done poorly. When an opposition gets 500, you have to bat really well. To get 488 is exactly what India did."

He further went on to assess that the toss would be an important factor in the next four games for both the sides. He said:

"Winning a toss in these conditions will be very crucial. If England bat fourth, India will put a lot of pressure in next four Test matches."

Ganguly also said that he was looking forward to the second Test match at Vizag and mentioned that he was expecting a close contest because of the newly laid pitch.

"I think it's going to be result pitch in Vizag. It's a newly-prepared pitch and both the teams will fancy their chances of winning in that Test match. Batting first will be once again be key and it will be a result Test match.”

The second Test is scheduled to start from the 17th of November at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.