'Shikhar Dhawan is probably one of the world's best openers': Here's what Sourav Ganguly said about

Delhi Capitals visor Sourav Ganguly described Shikhar Dhawan as one of best opening batsmen in world and revealed that his franchise was 'desperate' to rope in left-hander after he left Sunrisers Hyderab.

Back with his home team after being tred with Vijay Shankar, Shabaz Neem and Abhishek Sharma, India opener regained his touch to smash an unbeaten 97 from 63 balls to script Delhi Capitals seven-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders here on Friday night.

"Probably he's one of best opening batsmen in world. We were desperate for Shikhar Dhawan when we heard that he's going to leave SRH. Good that he is coming off.

"It is an important phase of tournament. It's good to see Shikhar get a good score with tournament entering second phase," Ganguly said at post-match press conference.

"It was more like a Shikhar Dhawan innings once he gets set, he takes game away. He is a class act. He plays exactly same way when he plays for India. He's been scoring consistently in shorter format in International cricket," he ded.

Chasing 179 for victory, Dhawan was however denied a maiden T20 century after Colin Ingram hit winning runs with a six off Piyush Chawla to seal win with seven balls to spare.

"Hundreds are not always possible in T20 cricket. important thing is to win match."

Speaking about upcoming World Cup, Ganguly pointed out that Dhawan was judged Best Batsman during India's runners-up finish at Champions Trophy 2017 in England.

"World Cup is a different format but Shikhar plays very well in England. He is a fantastic one-day cricketer. He will do well in World Cup. He was batsman of series in Champions Trophy," said former left-handed batsman.

win catapulted Delhi to top-four and Ganguly felt that his team bowled exceptionally well.

"We bowled exceptionally well to restrict KKR to 178 for seven, it was actually a 200-run pitch. We chased it down easily. It's always great winning here," Ganguly said.

Delhi were 57/2 inside power play but Dhawan's century and his partnership with Rishabh Pant turned things around for Delhi.

dashing wicketkeeper-batsman Pant, on his part, showed immense maturity as he played a second fiddle to Dhawan during his 31-ball 46.

"Rishabh played according to situation, we pushed him up to four, to give him more opportunity to bat. He is a great talent. He is only going to get better along with Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer," Ganguly said.

On Delhi's decision to field after Shreyas Iyer won toss.

"In T20s, you normally chase on great pitches. Chasing becomes easier because of dew factor. So most of teams look to chase," he said.

"KKR play here everyday, I don't," Ganguly said when asked if KKR misre wicket.

Stating that re is still a long way to go in tournament, former skipper said: "Every game is important, because goal is to be in last four."

Ganguly also me a special mention of Ishant Sharma, who bowled a wicket maiden dismissing Englishman Joe Denly for a golden duck on his IPL debut.

" best part of game was how we bowled in match. When we took Ishant Sharma, many said that he is a Test bowler, but he has been best bowler for last six-odd matches."

Asked if ir bowlers h a special plan for danger man Andre Russell, he said: "For Russell, re is only one plan, keep praying that he hits one up in air and is caught."

On his new role, Ganguly said: "It is much more difficult to sit in dugout than playing in middle."

Ganguly insisted that he and his new partner in Delhi's he coach and former Australian rival Ricky Ponting were determined to turn Delhi's fortunes around.

"We are determined to turn this team around. Both of us have played in teams which have won around world. So re's a lot of self-pride in turning teams around."

Ganguly was in centre of attention for his dual role as IPL franchise Delhi Capitals visor while serving as president of Cricket Association of Bengal. re were talks of "conflict of interest" with few of his detractors claiming that he would have 'a say' in pitch preparation at Eden Gardens.

Asked about it, Ganguly said: "I have played so much cricket and seen so much cricket, that I don't need to do all those things. Good teams will play on all pitches, and we are a good side. I know many stories are cooked up, but I can't do anything about it. KKR was my team, DC is also my team."