Kuldeep Yadav has a long way to go: Sourav Ganguly

Kolkata and Sourav Ganguly are synonyms in the world of cricket. Currently the President of Cricket Association of Bengal, Ganguly is the most popular Indian cricketer in Kolkata, even after 9 years of retirement from the game. Ganguly and his team of ground staff worked efficiently to get the ground ready for the 2nd ODI despite a rain-filled preceding week.

The second game, held at the Eden Gardens, was a full 50-overs game, much to the surprise of many as a rain interception loomed large on this game. India went on to gain a 2-0 lead in the series after winning the game by 50 runs. The home side’s batsmen struggled to get going and it was Virat Kohli’s 92 which propelled the Indians to a fighting total of 252 in 50 overs.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and then Yuzvendra Chahal terrorized the visiting batsmen by bowling with discipline and skill. After the duo picked a couple of wickets each, it was ‘mystery spinner’ Kuldeep Yadav’s turn to unleash his bag of tricks in front of a packed Eden Gardens.

Kuldeep’s moment in the sun

He eventually picked up just the third hattrick by an Indian in an ODI when he sent back Wade, Agar, and Cummins back in three consecutive deliveries. It was a special moment for the 22-year old, who achieved this feat in one of the most famous grounds in India. It took 26 years for an Indian to complete a treble, the last one being the great Kapil Dev, who picked up his hattrick at the same venue against Sri Lankan in 1991.

Ganguly was delighted to see Kuldeep take giant leaps in international cricket and said that the rookie has a long way to go and must not stop working hard. “It was a special spell. He bowled brilliantly. He still has a long way to go and is an asset for the team,” Ganguly told reporters.

Ganguly doesn’t want to compare Kuldeep and Bhajji

It was also the third time that a hattrick was claimed at the iconic Eden Gardens ground. Harbhajan Singh was the last one to do it in 2001 against the same opposition Australia in a famous Test match in which Ganguly was the skipper of India. One asked to compare both the treble’s, the former India captain said it was difficult to compare both the feats.

“I cannot compare. But this is certainly among the very best. He needs to continue the good work he is doing.”

The third ODI will begin on Sunday at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. Australia faces the prospect of losing the series with two games to spare if they manage to lose this one.