Former India captain and ex-president of the BCCI, Sourav Ganguly, has recently stepped into the spotlight with his insightful thoughts on the impending squad selection for World Cup 2023.
In an engaging event, Ganguly expressed his unwavering confidence that India's team would not be grappling with any uncertainties, particularly when it comes to the crucial no.4 batting position.
Sourav Ganguly thinks No.4 is not an issue for India
Dispelling rumors and assumptions, Sourav Ganguly passionately proclaimed, “I saw in the newspaper that we don't have a number 4 batter. Who said we don't have a number 4? We have numerous batters. The ones we have, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer, are all phenomenal.” His words echoed the sentiments of countless fans who hold these players in high esteem.
Ganguly's optimism extended to other key facets of the team. He radiated confidence in the capabilities of Ravindra Jadeja, a dynamic all-rounder who has proven his mettle time and again. The former captain also hailed the bowling lineup, singling out the formidable duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami as potential game-changers on the field.
Also read: AB de Villiers predicts 2023 World Cup semi-finalists
A staunch advocate for nurturing young talent, Ganguly's vision encompassed the infusion of new blood into the team's veins. He pinpointed Yashasvi Jaiswal as a fresh face who could bring a distinctive perspective to the squad. In light of Rishabh Pant's sidelining due to injury, Ganguly envisioned Ishan Kishan stepping up to seize the opportunity and fill the void left by the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman.
Furthermore, Ganguly bestowed his faith in the seasoned leadership of coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma. He firmly believed that this duo possessed the sagacity to make judicious decisions that would steer the team toward success.
Ganguly backs the likes of Jaiswal, Kishan, and Tilak to deliver in World Cup 2023
As the discussion unfolded, Saurav Ganguly's gaze shifted toward promising talents that could potentially reshape the team's dynamics. He introduced Tilak Verma into the conversation, citing him as a contender for the pivotal number 4 slot.
“Experience doesn't matter as much. Cricketers like Tilak, Ishan Kishan, and Jaiswal will play fearlessly and give the selectors ample options,” he contended, highlighting the unbridled spirit of these emerging stars.
The conversation then took a turn toward Ganguly's insights on the overall landscape of the tournament. When quizzed about his predictions for the top contenders, he projected an intensely competitive battle.
“Predicting the top teams is difficult. Australia is a robust candidate, England boasts a strong squad, and one cannot disregard India and Pakistan. New Zealand also consistently performs well in such tournaments,” he observed, encapsulating the global cricketing panorama.
Also Read: Rahul Dravid meets Jay Shah; discuss path ahead for India
Virat Kohli's playing format preferences also found a place in the discourse. Ganguly showered accolades on Kohli's capacity to deliver exceptional performances regardless of the format, applauding his consistency and adaptability.
As the conversation drew to a close, Ganguly couldn't evade questions about the contentious topic of Ravichandran Ashwin's inclusion in the World Cup squad. Despite Ashwin's remarkable track record, Ganguly held a divergent opinion, asserting that his talents might not find a place in the World Cup roster.
With the insights gleaned from Ganguly's words, the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the unveiling of India's chosen warriors who will carry the nation's hopes and aspirations into the high-stakes arena of the ODI World Cup 2023.
