Gavaskar slams Nasser Hussain for his comments on Indian cricket

Speaking on the Star Sports show Cricket Connected, Nasser Hussain recently asserted that his Indian counterparts seemed "nice" before the 2000s.

He added the side improved after the appointment of Sourav Ganguly as the skipper.

"I have always said, and this is a generalization, but I have always said about Ganguly, that he made India a tougher side," Hussain had stated.

Hussain believes India were not a sturdy side in the pre-Ganguly era.

"Before Ganguly, they were a very talented side, but you felt they were also a nice side - very down to earth, would meet you with morning greetings, morning Nasser, it was a very pleasant experience," he added.

"Playing against a Ganguly side, you knew you were in a battle."

Hussain's comments didn't go down well with Gavaskar, who said Team India's previous batches were equally resilient.

"What does he know of the toughness of the teams, which won overseas and at home? Yes, Ganguly was a top captain, taking over the reins at a most delicate time in Indian cricket, but to say earlier teams were not tough is nonsense," replied Gavaskar.

The magnificent display of Team India overseas remains unsung, till date.

Notably, the Indian team proved to be a dominant force in the 1970s under Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi.

During the period, they registered several series victories against New Zealand, England and West Indies overseas.

There is little doubt that Ganguly resurrected Indian cricket, however, the foundation certainly can't be ignored.