Mohammad Azharuddin played a great role in developing Sourav Ganguly as a captain: Rashid Latif

It has been quite a trend now that Pakistan cricketers have been showering good words for Indian counterparts. It was only a few days back when Shoaib Akhtar praised Virat Kohli and Co. and got criticized by his countrymen. Next in the league is former Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif, who is heaping praise on former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin. He is of the opinion that Azharuddin developed some great leadership skills in Sourav Ganguly.

It was only due to Ganguly’s capabilities that he succeeded in finding a legend like MS Dhoni later. Latif also paid tribute to recently retired great Indian wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni and lauded the overall culture developed by Azharuddin back then in the 90s while he was leading the side from the front.

I respect Mohammad Azharuddin: Rashid Latif

“I respect Mohammad Azharuddin a lot. He served Indian cricket for a long time and left someone like Sourav Ganguly. Azharuddin played a great role in developing Ganguly as a captain. Greats like Sachin and Dravid played under Ganguly,” said Latif in YouTube show Caught Behind.

The former Pakistan cricketer added that Dhoni’s leadership skills were the result of a blend of traits from both Ganguly and Azharuddin. Just the way Azhar deserves to be applauded for developing Ganguly into a great leader, the BCCI president in turn needs to be appreciated for shaping MSD’s career.

“Then, if you have a look at Dhoni’s career, it depended somewhat on Ganguly. The kind of mindset and leadership qualities Ganguly had was in-born.

“Mohammad Azharuddin made Ganguly. And Dhoni combined both of their qualities and created his own style according to modern-day cricket. He got the match-winning belief in the team, developed that culture in the team, instilled that winning mindset,” he concluded.

The Bengal tiger made both his Test and ODI debut under the captaincy of Azharuddin in 1992 and, 1996 respectively. He went on to play 65 matches total- 12 Tests and 53 ODI’s in his able leadership. Throwing light on Dhoni’s career, Latif said he possessed great qualities and always backed youngsters to give them the confidence to win matches always.