Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly differs with Virat Kohli, who had earlier stated that youngsters in the Indian team should expect around four to five games to prove themselves. Ganguly, in his column for Times of India, rather stressed on “consistent opportunities” as playing under pressure can force a young gun to not play at his best.
He also warned the team to not see the ongoing T20Is against South Africa as a preparation for the T20 World Cup that will be held in Australia next year as the hype can harm preparations.
“The most important thing for India is to not look at the World T20 next year,” Ganguly wrote in his column for The Times of India. “Before the last (ODI) World Cup, there was too much noise about it and that sometimes is not good. What they (Team India) need to do is pick the best possible players and give them consistent opportunities, as there is some serious talent in the domestic circuit.”
He also stressed that the youngsters are the ones who will take the team forward, and, hence, the talent needs to be harnessed well.
“The bowling department has some bright prospects. Khaleel Ahmed, Deepak Chahar and Navdeep Saini look promising; and India need to look after them so that they develop the way (Jasprit) Bumrah has.
“These guys, with time and maturity, will see Bumrah, Bhuvi (Bhuvneswhar Kumar) and (Mohammed) Shami as their role models and this will be a healthy sign for Indian fast bowling. Spinners like Rahul Chahar, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep (Yadav) and (Yuzvendra) Chahal will also keep everyone on their toes.”
Ganguly also added that under-fire cricketers like KL Rahul ought to be pushed by the youngsters who are rising up the ranks.
“The batting department also has some exciting faces. All they need is the freedom to express themselves. Shreyas Iyer finds a place in the T20 squad, a reward for his good show in the 50-overs games in West Indies.
“With Rohit and Shikhar at the top as the best possible opening pair, KL Rahul will be pushed. He has lost his place in Test cricket due to indifferent form and the likes of Shreyas and Manish Pandey will keep him on his toes if he wants to hold onto the No. 4 slot. Hardik makes a comeback and will look to consolidate his place as the premier all-rounder in every format,” said Ganguly.