IND v SA | Not wise for India to look at the World T20 next year, says Sourav Ganguly
Contrary to popular opinion, Sourav Ganguly believes that it is important that the Indian team does not focus all their attention towards the T20 World Cup next year. Instead, Ganguly hopes that the team management offers youngsters as many chances as possible to prove themselves.
Earlier this week, skipper Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri made it clear that the upcoming domestic season, packed with T20I fixtures in its schedule, was determined in such a manner that best prepares the team for the World Cup in Australia. And the Men in Blue will get their preparations underway with the 2nd T20I against South Africa in Mohali today. However, the former skipper offered a completely opposite view, undergirding his point by saying that the best talent in the country deserves "consistent opportunities".
"The most important thing for India is to not look at the World T20 next year. 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," Ganguly wrote in his column for The Times of India.
With a core group consisting of Virat, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Jasprit Bumrah forming the spine of the team, Dada reckons that it's the youngsters – in both batting and bowling departments – who will take the Indian team forward.
"The bowling department has some bright prospects. Khaleel Ahmed, Deepak Chahar and Navdeep Saini look promising; and India needs 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,” Ganguly wrote.
“Spinners like Rahul Chahar, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep (Yadav) and (Yuzvendra) Chahal will also keep everyone on their toes," he continued.
When it comes to batting, however, the opportunities are limited. The world-class top three has nailed down their spots in the team and one of either all-rounder – Hardik or Jadeja – and wicket-keeper – Rishabh Pant or someone else – takes over another two spots. This leaves only one or two slots for a big crop of exciting young batsmen to seize.
"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-over games in West Indies,” Ganguly wrote.
"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," Ganguly added.