Sachin Tendulkar is still the best cricketer in the world : Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly has backed Ravichandran Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha as Indian spinners for the future but urged the think-tank to include Harbhajan Singh as the third tweaker in the side.

Ganguly, talking during the Dilip Sardesai memorial lecture, said, "When I see Ashwin and Ojha, although they have a long way to go, I feel we have quality spinners but if India has to pick 3 spinners Bhajji should come in."

Dada was also forthcoming in comparing the Indian Premier League and playing for the country.

He said, "Have to answer team owner after IPL but never had to do that when I captained Indian team."

The former India skipper also said that First class cricket has come up leaps and bounds in India from his times and is a lot more organised now.

Ganguly remembered the days at the MRF academy he spent along with Sachin Tendulkar.

He fondly recalled Dennis Lillee's tip to the duo, "Sachin was with me in MRF academy and Denis Lillee saw both of us. He said that batting is a better option for us."

When questioned about the role of a coach in team sport, Sourav said, "Whoever is the coach his job is to help the captain to make a better team."

Incidentally, even Ganguly had put forth his intentions to coach Team India in the future, if and when required.

On being asked about the retirement of his former opening partner, Sachin Tendulkar, he said, "Its up to Sachin. He is 39 and has the liberty to pick and choose but I firmly feel he should concentrate more on Test cricket. Why I still feel Sachin should play, is that it (slump in form) has happened before too. I am sure a player as big as him will respond and whenever he will go will go on a high."

He also reiterated the fact that Tendulkar is still the best cricketer in his eyes.

When asked about his antics during the 2002 England tour, Ganguly could not point out the reason for the Lord's 'shirt removing and exulting' episode.

On being asked if he happens to coach Indian team, what mantra's will he take from Greg Chappell, he went on to praise the Aussie great for his knowledge on batting.

Ganguly said, "His knowledge as a batsman was terrific, loads of things which I won't follow."

© NDTV