"India are playing without Virat Kohli, KL Rahul" - Sourav Ganguly lauds Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan after 3rd Test
Published - 21 Feb 2024, 11:46 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:26 AM
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Former India captain Sourav Ganguly commended Sarfaraz Khan and Yashasvi Jaiswal for their performances in the third Test against England. Sourav Ganguly advised budding cricketers to follow Sarfaraz Khan’s example to earn a call-up from the national team.
India secured their biggest-ever Test victory in terms of runs (434) in the recent match. Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased dominance against the English bowlers, scoring an unbeaten 214 runs during India’s second innings. He hit three consecutive sixes off James Anderson.
Sarfaraz Khan patiently awaited his chance with the national team, excelling in domestic cricket. The right-handed batter made his international debut during the Rajkot Test. He made the most of the opportunity by smashing two half-centuries in his first match.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Is Capable Of Playing All Formats – Sourav Ganguly
In a conversation with Mid Day, Sourav Ganguly stated that Yashasvi Jaiswal is capable of playing well across all cricket formats. Ganguly acknowledged Sarfaraz Khan’s promising start but stated that he has to deliver in overseas conditions.
“Jaiswal is not only a good player, he’s capable of playing all in formats of the game. Sarfaraz has started well. He now has to score in foreign countries. Sarfaraz is a good example for budding cricketers, who must keep in mind that if they score consistently, they will get their chances,” Ganguly told Mid-Day.
Team India faced a challenge when Ravichandran Ashwin withdrew from the Test on Day 2 due to his mother’s illness. However, the 37-year-old spinner returned to the field during the post-Tea session on Day 4. He picked up one wicket in England’s second innings.
India Are So Confident – Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly highlighted Indian team management’s decision to allow Ravichandran Ashwin to leave mid-Test, indicating their confidence in the team’s capabilities.
“India are so confident that they allowed R Ashwin to go back home in the middle of a Test. India look much more motivated in this series,” Ganguly added.
It’s Difficult For England To Be Successful – Sourav Ganguly
The former Indian skipper expressed skepticism about England’s success in Indian conditions. Ganguly highlighted India’s strength despite the absence of key players like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.
“Bazball is good, but it’s difficult for England to be successful in Indian conditions. I will be surprised if India lose the series. Please remember that India are playing without Virat [Kohli], KL [Rahul]. It’s a young team with many new faces, and yet, England are struggling,” Ganguly further stated.
The England team started the series with a 28-run victory during the series opener in Hyderabad. However, the Ben Stokes-led team failed to maintain winning momentum and suffered losses in the next two matches, conceding a 2-1 lead to the opposition team.
England’s last Test series win in India was under Sir Alastair Cook’s captaincy in 2012 with a 2-1 victory. Ben Stokes requires a significant turnaround to secure wins in Ranchi and Dharamshala. The hosts have remained unbeaten in home Test series over the last decade.
