'I had defended Sourav when Chappell was coach': Ex-BCCI selector says Ganguly should have handled the Kohli incident better

Amid the Virat Kohli versus BCCI rift, ex-India selector Kirti Azad recalled how he had defended then-captain Sourav Ganguly when Greg Chappell was the coach. Azad reckoned Ganguly could've managed the episode in a better manner. The ex-India World Cup-winner also feels that the BCCI chief should have learned from his own experience when dealing with the situation.

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"I remember I had defended him when Greg Chappell was the coach and he was dropped as captain. He should have learned from his example and spoken to Virat much earlier. I am not saying Virat is a special case. Yes, he is a special batter and a special cricketer. He leads by example and leads by example."

Ex-BCCI selector Kirti Azad said to News18

Azad also recalled how Bishan Singh Bedi and Sunil Gavaskar were dethroned. However, he felt at least Ganguly could have let Kohli know about the change in captaincy well in advance.

He added: "I remember how Bishan Bedi was dethroned, how Sunil Gavaskar was dethroned. Venkataraghavan was in his flight and when he landed, he was replaced as captain. At least, Sourav should have realized through his own experience."

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Eyes would be on Virat Kohli and he would be feeling the pressure of all the noise that is happening in and around him. He would look to get among the runs and help the side win.

Meanwhile, the Indian team is looking to win its maiden Test series against the Proteas after showcasing excellent performances against Australia and England in the last 12 months.