Former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly has voiced his confidence in India’s prospects for victory in the upcoming five-match Test series against England. Ganguly, renowned for his astute cricketing acumen, emphasised the criticality of England’s performance in the series opener at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Ganguly remarked, “India will win the series, the matter is whether they will win it 4-0 or 5-0. Every Test will be decisive.” Reflecting on England’s missed opportunity in the first Test, Ganguly suggested that a stronger batting performance could have tilted the scales in their favor. “One cannot win against India by making 230 or 240 runs on Indian soil. Had they made 350 or 400, they could have beaten India,” he added.
Assessment of England’s Approach and Optimism for the T20 World Cup
Addressing England’s “Bazball” approach, Ganguly asserted its inapplicability on spinning tracks in India. “Bazball is an approach where the match is played in a fast manner. India have spinning wickets and so, Bazball will not be applicable here,” he explained.
Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup 2024, slated to be held in the West Indies and the United States, Ganguly expressed optimism about India’s chances. “India have a good chance in the T20 World Cup,” he stated, highlighting the team’s recent performance in the World Cup final. Ganguly underscored the significance of IPL as preparation for the global event, considering the similar playing conditions.
Encouragement for Young Talent
In light of the absence of stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Ganguly urged young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill to seize their opportunities. “They deserve to play for India. In his lengthy career, he will miss some Test matches. It is also a good opportunity for youngsters to cash in,” he remarked.
Regarding Jaiswal’s potential, Ganguly labeled him as an “all-format player” and stressed the importance of adaptability for players like Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill.
As India gears up for both the Test series against England and the T20 World Cup, Ganguly’s insights provide valuable perspectives on the team’s trajectory and the role of emerging talent in shaping its future success.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Whatsapp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
