Impressed together with his captaincy on the ODI World Cup, former captain Sourav Ganguly on Friday threw his weight behind Rohit Sharma, saying he ought to lead India no less than till the T20 World Cup in June subsequent yr.
Rohit, who led India to the ODI World Cup ultimate at house, and Virat Kohli have taken a “break” and can miss the white-ball leg of the upcoming South Africa tour, starting December 10.
Talking to reporters, Ganguly mentioned the duo deserved relaxation in order that they arrive again “fresh” for the hectic calendar forward.
“Once Rohit is back playing all formats, he should be the captain of India, because he has done so well in the World Cup,” mentioned the previous BCCI president.
“You saw in the World Cup how well they played. They are absolutely integral and an important part of Indian cricket.” Interestingly, each Rohit and Kohli have not performed a T20I for the reason that semifinals towards England within the 2022 T20 World Cup and the BCCI was not clear whether or not the duo needs to be in India’s scheme of issues for the T20 world showpiece in six months time.
After the 2022 T20 World Cup, Hardik Pandya was named India’s T20 captain however following his damage throughout the ODI World Cup, Suryakumar Yadav is main the workforce within the ongoing five-T20 sequence towards Australia.
“World Cups are different than a bilateral series because the pressures are different. They have been exceptional this World Cup and hopefully six-seven months down the line in the West Indies they will be again at their best,” Ganguly mentioned.
“He’s (Rohit) a leader. I expect and I presume that he will continue as captain till the T20 World Cup in 2024.”
The duo can be again for the two-Test sequence in South Africa starting with the Boxing Day Test in Centurion.
“Very rightfully, they have taken a break because there is so much cricket all the time. I cannot imagine that you played a World Cup final on the 19th and in three days’ time you’re playing a T20I series against the same team,” Ganguly mentioned.
“It is not easy to pick yourselves up, especially with the pressures and demands of the World Cup. I’m happy that they have got a break.
“They will come again recent for Tests — there are 5 Tests towards England — there’s IPL, after which the T20 World Cup, so it is continuous cricket. Hopefully they’re going to come again recent and hold performing.”
Happy for Dravid
The BCCI has also extended the contract of India head coach Rahul Dravid at least till the T20 World Cup, even though the exact duration of his second term is not yet known.
It was during Ganguly’s BCCI tenure that Dravid had become the head coach and the former India lefthander was happy for his teammate’s contract extension.
“I’m not stunned that they’ve proven religion in Dravid. When I used to be president of the Board, we satisfied him to do that job. And I’m so comfortable to see yesterday that his tenure has been prolonged.
“It was always the case, depending on whether he wanted it or not. I wish him luck for another World Cup in June. He was very close this time.
“They might not have gained it, however they in all probability have been the most effective workforce within the competitors with the way in which they performed. So he is bought one other seven months for a World Cup within the West Indies. Hopefully, at the moment, he won’t be runners-up, however a champion,” he said.
Asked about India’s title drought at an ICC global showpiece, Ganguly said: “Hopefully they’ll cross the bridge someday.” “As a captain, I’ve certified for three finals, and misplaced twice — 2003 World Cup and 2001 Champions Trophy. So I haven’t got the suitable to say easy methods to win finals. I managed only one win that too as joint winners with Sri Lanka (2002 Champions Trophy),” he said.
“At least, they’re making the ultimate and by dominating the match. Hopefully they’ll cross the bridge someday, their luck will change. There isn’t any rocket science.
“At Australia 47/3, India had a great chance, one wicket and it would have been different. But it’s past now.”
Thank you Pujara, Rahane
Test specialist batters — Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane — weren’t included for the 2 Tests towards South Africa.
“At some point of time you have to play new talents. It happens, there is enormous talent in India and the team has to progress. Pujara and Rahane had enormous success for India, sport doesn’t remain with you forever,” Ganguly mentioned.
“You cannot be there forever, it will happen to everyone. I must thank them what they have done for Indian cricket and selectors want fresh faces, so that’s the way it is.”
