india-vs-sri-lanka-2017

Updated: Jul 30, 2017 19:20 IST

India hammered a struggling Sri Lanka team by a record 304 runs on in the first Test in Galle on Saturday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series with a day to spare. Kohli, whose team is currently ranked No 1 in the ICC Test rankings, said after the win that it was a ‘clinical’ performance by India.

(Read | Captain Virat Kohli displays icy nerves despite upheaval in Indian dressing room)

Ganguly told India Today: “India are perfectly balanced with so much firepower in their batting, bowling and fielding. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have a lot to worry about. The last two years they (Team India) have been wonderful, especially away from home. Under Anil (coach Anil Kumble) they won everything in the West Indies and then came the home season. I feel India won’t be challenged in these conditions. Kohli is absolutely right when he said in the post-match ceremony that they have been clinical in their performance.”

(Read | India vs Sri Lanka: Visitors face selection ‘dilemma’ after Galle Test victory)

The former India captain is a member of the Cricket Advisory Committee, which was entrusted with the job of hiring India’s new coach along with Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman after the exit of Anil Kumble.

Ganguly said Kohli has not been tested yet.

(Read | Virat Kohli achieves unique batting feat after brilliant ton against Sri Lanka)

“Virat hasn’t been tested yet. Sri Lanka is probably not the strongest Test side at the moment. For me, (for) the fans as well as for Virat Kohli himself, the yardstick will be how well his side performs in South Africa, Australia and England.”

Ganguly didn’t read much into Kohli garnering a mere 46 runs in three Tests against in the home series against Australia earlier this year. “I don’t consider it a lean patch as he only struggled in one series. If you look at the Champions Trophy and the one-day series in West Indies, he has been in good touch,” Ganguly said.

India and Sri Lanka will resume rivalry in the second Test starting at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground in Colombo on August 3.