Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has emphasised the need for India’s batters to score bigger runs in Test cricket, citing the recent defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as a prime example. Ganguly’s comments come after India lost the series 1-3 to Pat Cummins’ Australia.
On Sunday, India had a chance to retain the trophy in the New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. But the visitors lost the match by six wickets to lose the trophy after seven long years. Ganguly said that the batting unit needs to step up big time for India to win Tests consistently.
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“We did not bat well, we have to bat well in Test cricket. If you do not bat well, you will not win Test matches. If you score 170, 180, you cannot win Test matches. You have to score 350-400,” Ganguly said.
Ganguly, also a former BCCI president, attended Calcutta Sports Journalist’s Club’s (CSJC) media football tournament on Sunday. Popularly known as Prince of Calcutta, Ganguly was seen juggling football and taking penalty shootouts.
Ganguly also pointed out the middle-order failure, stating that everyone has to contribute with the bat. “No one can be blamed. Everyone has to score runs,” he said.
When asked about Virat Kohli’s recent off-form, Ganguly expressed his surprise, saying, “I don’t understand. He is such a great player. But I am sure he will overcome this problem.”
On Rohit Sharma’s withdrawal from the Sydney Test, Ganguly respected the Indian skipper’s call, saying, “It is his personal decision. He knows what to do.”
When questioned about coach Rahul Dravid’s performance, Ganguly shifted the focus to the team’s performance, saying, “We have to perform. What else can I say?”
Throughout the series, the team’s batting struggles were a major concern, and Ganguly highlighting the need for batters to step up sends a clear message to the team.