Sourav Ganguly: Rohit’s talent hasn’t materialised as well in Tests

Former India captain and CAB President Sourav Ganguly totally backed BCCIs decision with the team they picked for the New Zealand series. Prior to the announcement of the squad for the Test series it was expected that out of form players like Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan would be left out of the squad for the upcoming series. Fans expressed their disappointment as the selection of Rohit Sharma which might put Cheteshwar Pujara’s place in jeopardy. It was also expected that Gautam Gambhir who performed brilliantly in the Duleep Trophy would be recalled but neither of these happened.

Ganguly when asked about who would he prefer in the playing XI from Pujara and Rohit Sharma, the southpaw said “If you ask me about who should get picked ahead, any day Pujara because I think he is a better batsman in Tests. His record in India also is very good. He played a great knock vs Lanka as well on a difficult track when he was asked to open and scored a ton. He was left out in Jamaica, where everyone said he was a bit slow. But I was completely surprised by that decision.You need a number three like that, like Rahul Dravid.”

Chairman of Selectors Sandeep Patil backed his decision and said players like Rohit must be given a long run in Tests. Ganguly agreed with this and said players who are selected in the side must be given enough chances to prove themselves.

“Rohit’s talent hasn’t materialised as well in Tests, especially overseas in seaming conditions than in the shorter format. I think he has got enough of a long rope. The selectors will not find out anything new about him in the 13 tests at home. He will continue to be with this team though,” Ganguly quoted.

Selection of openers in the playing XI will be a tough job as Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul all are selected.

“With eyes closed, it’s Vijay and Rahul for the opening slot. Look at their performance overseas. For Vijay, in Australia and England. In West Indies he got injured and then never got picked again. By far, he has been India’s best opener over the last two years. Before the Windies tour we had the same discussion on Rahul and now he has become one of the premier Indian batsmen. So these two should open. Pujara at 3, Virat Kohli at 4, Rahane at 5,” Ganguly added.

The series against New Zealand will mark the beginning of a long home season for India with 13 Tests lined up in the next 6 months. Ganguly who was a part of the advisory committee who chose Anil Kumble as India’s head coach said he is keenly looking forward to India’s strategies in the coming home season.

“With Ashwin batting at No. 6, I don’t see any reason why India can’t play all three spinners in a match and still go with two seamers. I’m keen to see the outlook of the Indian coach Anil Kumble on what he does in Indian conditions. Does he play on rank turners where the ball begins to turn or gets back to old ways where we played on good pitches where results came on day 4 or day 5, which will be key for their performance against the bigger teams.”