Former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Wednesday was all in praise for the Indian team, calling them the best in the ongoing World Cup in England. Meanwhile, Ganguly also heaped praise on World Cup favourites England and defending champions Australia.

“England is a good team. India has looked the best. Then England, and Australia [sic],” Ganguly said at the launch of Project Life Force, which is a not for profit organisation working in the field of blood donation.

The Men in Blue have been at their very best as they are unbeaten in the mega event so far. With 7 points in 4 matches, the Virat Kohli-led team is at the 4th spot in the points table. Notably, India have won three of their four matches with one game against New Zealand being washed out by rain. Their recent win came against arch-rivals Pakistan where India outplayed the Men in Green by 89 runs (DLS method).

However, the Indian juggernaut has tumbled as Shikhar Dhawan — India’s ace opener who is suffering from a thumb injury — has been ruled out of the quadrennial event. Young stumper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who was flown in as Dhawan’s cover, has been named as his replacement.

“I am not surprised that he is ruled out because I saw him in England and he has got a fracture. So, it takes a lot of time,” said Ganguly who flew down from the United Kingdown.

Asked how big a blow is it for the team, Ganguly pointed out that India have enough firepower in the bench and that was on display against Pakistan.

“It’s a blow but they beat Pakistan comprehensively. So they are in good form. I hope Shikhar recovers well and recovers soon.”

Sending further jitters to the Indian camp, fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar pulled a hamstring in the middle of his spell while bowling against Pakistan. However, Vijay Shankar — who was given the ball to complete Bhuvi’s spell — came as a blessing in disguise for the Men in Blue by scalping two wickets.

“Vijay has done well in the last year or so. Injuries are part and parcel nobody has control on it. Hope others come and do well. I thought Vijay did exceptionally well with the ball in Bhuvi’s absence,” the former India skipper opined.

Ganguly expressed confidence that India will make to the semis. “This is a good Indian team and they will make it to the semis and we will see what happens.”