IND vs AFG: "If They Lose..." - Sourav Ganguly Silences Team India Critics Following Successful SA Tour

Former Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly hit out at the critics of Team India following a successful South Africa tour. He said that whenever Rohit Sharma-led side loses one game people talk as if the entire team is bad and can’t play.

Team India were at the receiving end of severe criticism when they suffered a thrashing of an innings and 32-run loss against South Africa in the Centurion Test. The Rohit Sharma-led side looked clueless as they weren’t up to the mark with bat and ball in the game.

There were lots of doubts that started to rise, as ahead of the series India already lost the final of the ICC World Cup 2023. However, they staged a comeback of ages and produced a sensational performance in the second Test in Cape Town, which is regarded as the fortress of the South African team.

India outclassed South Africa in the Cape Town Test as they first bundled them out for just 55 runs and then took a lead of 98 runs. They then bowled well in the second innings and castled the opposition for just 176 runs to set themselves a target of 79 runs, which they chased with 7 wickets in hand.

With the win, India became the first team to win the Test match in Cape Town. They also drew the series for the first time since 2010-11. After they won, the Rohit Sharma-led side received a lot of praise from all across the globe.

Sourav Ganguly highlighted India having a successful tour they had in South Africa. Speaking to reporters, he explained:

“India is a great team. If they lose one game, people talk as if the entire team is bad. A win in the ODI series, 1-1 in T20Is and 1-1 in Tests. What else? They are a very good side.”

India notably had a great outing in South Africa. Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, they drew the T20I series and then followed it with an ODI series win. KL Rahul was the captain of the team and they won the series 2-1.

IND vs SA: Sourav Ganguly Bats For The Inclusion Of Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli In T20 World Cup 2024 Squad

Sourav Ganguly also was asked about his opinion related to the selection of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024. He wasn’t hesitant and immediately said that the duo should play in the team.

Sourav Ganguly opined that Rohit Sharma should captain the team in the tournament and also hailed Virat Kohli as an outstanding player, saying that he should be part of the team for the World Cup. Speaking to RevSportz, he explained:

“Rohit Sharma should be the captain in the T20I World Cup. Virat Kohli is an outstanding player – he should be part of the T20I for India”.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to make a comeback in the Indian T20I for the upcoming series against Afghanistan. The series will begin on 11th January followed by the second and third games to be played on 14th and 17th January.

If they feature in the series, it will be the first time they will play T20I since the semi-final loss against England in the T20 World Cup 2022.