Asia Cup 2018: I Was Surprised Rishabh Pant Didn't Make the Cut - Sourav Ganguly

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly said he was surprised to note Rishabh Pant’s name missing from the Indian squad for the ongoing Asia Cup 2018. Pant has been in prolific form with the bat and likes to take the attack on the opposition. The combative batsman had also scored a fine hundred in the final innings of the five-match Test series against England.

However, the Indian squad for Asia Cup was announced on 1 September, which was before the fifth Test began. In fact, there is no denying the fact that Pant could have been included in the ODI side as his game is more suited to the limited overs form. Pant is yet to make his 50-overs debut whereas he has already opened his account in T20I and Test matches.

Pant has been in sublime form.

Meanwhile, the Prince of Kolkata said India should be more focused on winning the tournament rather than just one match against Pakistan.

In his column for The Times of India, Ganguly wrote, “I am surprised to see no Pant in the squad. The Asia Cup squad was selected before his Oval hundred and the way he batted in his last innings, I am sure he is ready for the ODI format as well. As, usual, there will be a lot of hype about Wednesday’s match, but for both the teams, it will be key to look at the entire tournament. Winning the Asia Cup, after all, is more important than just one game.”

India is strong even without Virat Kohli.

On the other hand, Virat Kohli is rested for the Asia Cup. Sourav Ganguly believes India is still a strong side even without Virat Kohli. In fact, it would present a good opportunity for other players to cash in.

“India will be without Virat Kohli. Yes, he is a huge pillar of strength but even without him, this is a strong team. In the batting department, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma are out-and-out match winners in this format. Virat’s absence will also provide an opportunity to showcase talent because, with the recent failure, the No. 4 and 5 spots will be up for grabs,” Sourav Ganguly wrote.

India will begin their Asia Cup 2018 campaign when they will take on Hong Kong at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Subsequently, Men in Blue will square off with arch-rivals Pakistan on 19 September.