Not Hardik Pandya or Ravichandran Ashwin!! Sourav Ganguly picks the best all-rounder in World Cricket

Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly commended India’s spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav. Sourav Ganguly described Ravichandran Ashwin as an “all-time great,” acknowledging his achievement of 500 Test wickets.

The Indian team is currently hosting the five-match Test series against England. The home team suffered a defeat in the first match in Hyderabad. However, the team bounced back and won three consecutive matches, taking an unassailable 3-1 lead in the ongoing series.

Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav were instrumental in India’s series win. Ashwin picked up 17 wickets in four matches at an average of 30.41. The Tamil Nadu-born spinner also achieved his 500th wicket during the third Test match in Rajkot.

500 Wickets Is Not A Matter Of Joke – Sourav Ganguly

In an interview with RevSportz, the former Indian captain offered high praise for the spin trio. Ganguly highlighted Ashwin’s accomplishment of reaching 500 Test wickets, calling it a remarkable feat.

”All-time great, all-time great offspring. 500 wickets is not a matter of joke,” Ganguly told RevSportz.

Ravichandran Ashwin became the second Indian cricketer, after legendary Anil Kumble, to complete 500 wickets in Test cricket. The off-spinner has taken 507 wickets in 99 Tests at an impressive average of 23.92, with his best bowling figures in an innings being 7/59.

Ravindra Jadeja, The Best All-rounder – Sourav Ganguly

The former Indian captain acknowledged Ravindra Jadeja’s significant contributions with both bat and ball over an extended period for the country. Ganguly called Jadeja the best all-rounder at the moment, highlighting his effectiveness with both bat and ball.

“Then you have Jadeja, the best all-rounder at the moment. Bat and ball in these conditions,” said Ganguly.

Ravindra Jadeja has taken 17 wickets in three matches at an average of 25.33. The all-rounder also made significant contributions with the bat, scoring 217 runs in five innings at an average of 43.40. He scored a brilliant hundred during the third Test at his home ground.

Kuldeep Yadav Has Come Back Immensely – Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly emphasized Kuldeep Yadav’s notable improvement and expressed confidence in his sustained success. Ganguly predicted that Kuldeep would enjoy a long and prosperous career with the Indian team.

”I think Kuldeep has come back immensely. He’s improved immensely. And I think with bowlers like Ashwin and Jadeja, he’s not been underdone by them. He’s made a mark of his in the series and will go on to play for India for a long period,” Ganguly further stated.

Kuldeep failed to make it to the XI for the series opener as the team management preferred Axar Patel over him. He got a chance after Jadeja was ruled out of the Visakhapatnam Test. Kuldeep capitalized on the opportunity and cemented his place in the team.

The wrist spinner has bagged 12 wickets in 3 matches at an average of 22.58. He also played a crucial role with the bat in India’s five-wicket victory in the fourth Test in Ranchi. He added a crucial partnership with Dhruv Jurel in the first innings to secure the team.

The Indian team is set to face England in the final Test at Dharamsala, aiming to secure victory and bolster their standings in the World Test Championship. The match will be played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium from March 7 to 11.

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