Dhaka, May 27 (bdnews24.com) - Speaking ahead of the IPL 5 final, former India skipper Sourav Ganguly on Saturday put his money on Kolkata Knight Riders to win.
The 'Prince of Kolkata' rated Gautam Gambhir ahead of Mahendra Singh Dhoni as far as captaincy is concerned and even though the Indian selectors might have lost faith in Gambhir, who was removed from vice-captaincy ahead of the Asia Cup, but Ganguly named him as the skipper to lead his best XI also featuring Dhoni, according to a report on NDTV.com's website.
"Gautam Gambhir is the best captain of the IPL. I really liked the way he supported his players. He persisted with Yusuf Pathan as he delivered his best performance (for KKR) in two years," Ganguly said in Kolkata.
The Dhoni-led Super Kings who play their third final in as many years may be the favourites on paper but Ganguly put both the teams at par and hoped the Knight Riders would win their first title in five years.
"I want to wish both the teams. But I want to see a new champion. I think KKR would win this time," he said.
"Gambhir would be equally confident on the field. They (KKR) are a pretty balanced side and have been consistent this season. They have the players to win matches," said Ganguly.
Ganguly however said Gambhir would not have to prove the selectors anything.
"I don't think he would play with a mindset that he would have to prove something. The way they have performed this season is enough to inspire themselves for the big day," Ganguly said.
The Bengal icon however said the core CSK players could be 'role models' for any side.
"They have stuck to their side for five years with players like Dhoni, Vijay, Badrinath being the core of the side all these time. They can be a role model for any T20 side," Ganguly said.
"I've always said Dhoni is unparallel in the short versions, though there would always be a question mark on him when it comes to Test cricket," he added.
The veteran said toss would play a crucial role at the Chepauk and also key will be the way Dhoni's men tackle mystery spinner Sunil Narine.
"Toss will be vital. I'm sure (Gautam) Gambhir would hope to win the toss and set a target. The whole game would change if Gambhir wins the toss. But at the same time, Chennai's 50 percent job would be done if they manage to tackle Narine," he said.
GANGULY'S BEST XI:
Gautam Gambhir (capt), Chris Gayle, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Cameron White, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wk), Jacques Kallis, Sunil Narine, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Lasith Malinga; Stand-by: Virender Sehwag; Coach: Stephen Fleming.
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