Don't be disheartened, Afghanistan cricket: Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly urges Afghanistan Cricket not to be disheartened. Credit: BCCI

Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly believes that the Afghanistan team who lost their debut Test within two days, can compete in five-day cricket, provided they get better first-class opportunities.

Meanwhile, India thumped Afghanistan by an innings and 262 runs at Bengaluru. The Afghans lost 20 wickets in a day against No 1 ranked India. However, responding to India’s 474, the debutants got out cheaply for 109 and 103 within two sessions.

The 113 Tests veteran Ganguly that Afghans should not worry about the loss. However, they need to introspect and look where they need to improve.

There were no surprises at the Chinnaswamy Stadium but at the same time, not many expected that the India-Afghanistan Test match would get over in just two days. The Afghan boys shouldn’t worry about how long the Test lasted but should rewind the entire two days to realise what they need to do to get better in the longer format of the game,” Ganguly wrote on TOI.

Sourav Ganguly
Getty Images

The southpaw also noted that it happened with every time during their initial days in this format. He urged to give the new entrants some more time and help them come to terms with this format.

Afghanistan, and for that matter the other new entrant, Ireland, will have to be given more time to understand and come to terms with the demands of the longest format of the game. With time they will learn,” he added.

Lack of application, the key behind loss

Ganguly identified a lack of application as the key reason behind Afghanistan’s capitulation with the bat. The legendary cricketer also feels a proper domestic structure can help them a lot to improve.

Shafiq Stanikzai
BCCI

The Afghans were still in T20 mode and the lack of footwork was pretty apparent when they played pace bowling,” he wrote. “What they need to have is a good domestic structure as the talent is very apparent with the Afghan boys,” he added.

In conclusion, Ganguly noted that it was a learning experience for Rashid Khan. He also urged him to consult Anil Kumble to improve in this format.

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