‘New Zealand has a lot more guts and character than we see on TV’ – Sourav Ganguly backing the Black Caps ahead of T20 World Cup final

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has put his weight behind New Zealand ahead of their T20 World Cup 2021 final against Australia on Sunday, November 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Kiwis started their campaign with a five-wicket loss at the hands of Babar Azam’s Pakistan in Sharjah, but have made a comeback, having won five matches in a row.

In their semi-final on Wednesday against England, the Kiwis needed 57 to win off 24 balls. But Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 47-ball 72 and James Neesham’s 11-ball 27 helped New Zealand chase down 167 with one over to spare. Ganguly said that having earlier won the World Test Championship, the Kiwis are on a rise at the global stage.

Ganguly, also the BCCI president, lauded Kane Williamson and Co. for showing a lot of guts and character. The veteran put forth his opinions while speaking at the 40th Sharjah International Book Fair on Saturday, November 13.

It’s a small country but it’s got a lot of steel, says Sourav Ganguly

“I feel it is New Zealand’s time in world sport. Australia are a great nation, but they have had a tough time for a while, though they have been a great cricketing country. New Zealand has a lot more guts and character than we see on TV,” Ganguly said.

“They won the World Test Championship a few months ago. It’s a small country but it’s got a lot of steel. I have the feeling that it is indeed New Zealand’s time,” Ganguly stated.

Ganguly was also of the opinion that a couple of bad outings don’t make India a bad side by any stretch of the imagination. India crashed out of the World Cup after failing to go beyond the Super 12 where they lost to Pakistan and New Zealand. Ganguly backed the Men in Blue to make a strong comeback and achieve greater heights.

“Expectations were undoubtedly very high, but I was happy to see that a majority of the people had the heart to accept the result. They were upset, but they did not overreact. At the end of the day – Bumrah, Shami, Rohit, and Kohli are all human beings. It was just a matter of two bad games. They will bounce back, and within a year or so, we will see the same boys lifting trophies,” he added.