India vs Windies 2018: Windies have a Mountain to Climb - Sourav Ganguly

Former India skipper, Sourav Ganguly feels the Windies have a tough task against the Indian side in the ongoing two-match Test series where the hosts already won the first match by an innings and 272 runs.

Windies won the last Test match in 1994 against India.

On the tour of Windies in 2016, Virat Kohli and Co. remained unbeaten. They defeated the hosts 2-0 in a four-match series. However, the Windies might have a little chance to surprise India in the ongoing Test series. Moreover, Sourav Ganguly feels Windies have a mountain to climb, and they have to play out of their skin to stand up against India.

“The major point of interest in the second Test starting on Friday will be how much resistance the West Indies will be able to put up against the might of India. At home, the hosts have always been indomitable barring a few instances. But rarely has any team, barring Afghanistan, succumbed the manner in which West Indies did in the first Test. There was hardly a semblance of a fight which ultimately resulted in the match ending in three days despite the wicket being a good one to bat on. The visitors have more than a mountain to climb if they are to change the course of things in Hyderabad.” Sourav Ganguly wrote in his column for the Times of India (TOI).

Moreover, Sourav Ganguly is hoping India is ready for the big clash against Australia later this year.

Dada is also happy with India’s bowling attack. The spinners along with the fast bowlers rattled the Windies innings in quick time in the first Test match.

In addition to that, Ganguly also feels India needs to shape up in their combination ahead of Australia’s tour. Sourav Ganguly further added Kohli needs to plan accordingly with the necessary changes if required in the team.

“As for the Indian bowling, Ashwin, Kuldeep, and Jadeja, and even the fast bowlers tormented the Windies batsmen who looked completely out of sorts. Their shot-selection at this level has been very poor. India have gone back to the five batsmen-five bowlers strategy in this series which is the right way to go in home conditions. What is important, however, is that they should start shaping the side that will be playing in Australia in December. Virat should have his plans ready and should know what his core in Australia will be, and even plan any necessary changes he may have to make as the situation demands,” Ganguly concluded.

Also, India will play a five-match ODI series against the Windies starting on October 21 (Sunday).