"Age never a factor before talent": Ganguly backs Dhoni to continue after WC

With the World Cup round the corner, former India captain Sourav Ganguly, backed veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni to continue after the upcoming ODI World Cup, saying if someone has talent "age is not a factor"

Legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, probably playing for the final time at his home ground, will be the cynosure of all eyes when India take on Australia in the third ODI, aiming to take an unassailable 3-0 lead on Friday.

With the World Cup round the corner, former India captain Sourav Ganguly, backed veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni to continue after the upcoming ODI World Cup, saying if someone has talent "age is not a factor"

"Dhoni can continue after the World Cup. If India wins the Cup and Dhoni performs consistently then why should he retire. Age is never a factor if talent is there," Ganguly told PTI.

Ganguly backed the speedster duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami saying that both will play a crucial role for their squad in the upcoming World Cup in England.

"The Indian pace attack is fantastic. Whether its Bumrah or Shami, the Indian pacers are performing consistently. The pacers will play an important factor for the team in England," said Ganguly.                      

According to Ganguly, Umesh Yadav will go to the World Cup as fourth pacer after Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Ganguly also backed the aggressive left-hander Shikhar Dhawan stating that the opening combination of Dhawan and Rohit Sharma should not be tweaked.

"The opening combination should not be tweaked. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are the ideal pair to give India a fast start. But K L Rahul is also there," he said. "Shikhar and Rohit should open. Other than the two, Rahul is another batsman who can open."

Ganguly feels in-form India skipper Virat Kohli should continue to bat at the crucial no.3 position followed by Ambatti Rayudu, Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav.

"Virat is being Virat. He is on top of his game," he said.

"Virat should bat in is usual number 3 slot. Rayudu at 4, Dhoni at 5 and Kedar at number 6."  

Ganguly reiterated that India are among one of the favourites to win the World Cup, starting May 30 at the Oval, London.