West Indies are the WC dark horses: Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly, as an advisor with Delhi Capitals, has played a significant role in the turnaround of the team in the IPL. On the eve of their crucial match against Chennai Super Kings, TOI caught up with Ganguly. The former India captain opened up on a lot of issues, ranging from Delhi's performance in the IPL to how Andre Russell can make a huge difference for West Indies in the World Cup.

Excerpts:

Who is your choice to bat at No. 4 for India in the World Cup?

It has to be Vijay Shankar initially. Shankar has got a place because of whatever he has done in Australia and New Zealand, so it's not that they have picked him from nowhere. Debate will always be there but I think he has good technique and has the talent to perform on the big stage. In addition to that, his bowling in England will be useful. He hits the seam and there will be movement, so Shankar looks a good choice for now.

In case the middle-order, which isn't the best on paper, falters, do you see Kohli coming down to No. 4 with KL Rahul at 3?

I don't think that's going to happen in the beginning. India's strength is their top-3, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Virat. If two of them get going in most of the games, it will hardly matter who comes in at 4 and 5.

You have been quite critical about Rishabh Pant's exclusion from the World Cup team...

Yes, he is an outstanding player and should have been there, but it's not the end of the world for Pant, he will play many World Cups. He has coped well with the setback of not being picked - has taken some outstanding catches, batted beautifully and has shown leadership qualities as well. He will play in all three formats for India for a very long time, it's just a matter of time.

But Pant has copped a bit of criticism sometimes for throwing his wicket away at crucial junctures?

That hardly bothers me. In this format, there will be times when he will not get past the line. But some of the knocks he has played have been exceptional. Don't forget the Delhi wicket has hurt him as well, he likes the ball coming onto the bat.

Are you fine with Dhoni playing through pain in the IPL ahead of the World Cup?

He has the maturity to know how good or bad the injury is. At this stage of his career, there will be always be the odd niggle, but he has the understanding to deal with it.

Is there one new player who has caught your eye in the IPL?

It's Shubman Gill, you can see there is the X-factor in him. He and Prithvi Shaw are fantastic cricketers, and I see them part of all three formats for India for a long time.

Name a few who can make a difference in the World Cup...

Andre Russell, what form he is in! I am telling you, this West Indies are a very serious team in this World Cup with Russell, Shai Hope, Chris Gayle, Oshane Thomas and a few others. I think West Indies are the dark horses and the way Russell is playing, he can make a huge difference.

Tell us about the Delhi performance in the IPL so far, they are sitting on top...

It's about everybody contributing, and the most important thing about IPL is getting the team right - something that we did. The players come, don't get much time to practice, and get straight into match situation. So it's important to be in the zone and the Delhi team -- with the likes of Shikhar, Prithivi, Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Rabada -- have done that very well.

How has it been working with Ponting?

Oh we are great friends. There was a point in time when we were adversaries on the pitch, but over the years our friendship has grown. He has done some great work with the boys and it's showing.

Do you think he can be a future coach for India?

That you have to ask him if he is ready to stay away from home for 8-9 months of a year. But yes, if you talk about credentials, there is no doubt he can be a great candidate.