Former captain Sourav Ganguly thinks the present Indian crew isn’t solely higher than Pakistan however can be the favorite to win the ongoing Champions Trophy.
Ganguly, who performed quite a bit in opposition to Pakistan, stated the neighbouring nation would wish some particular effort to beat India in their Group-A engagement on Sunday (February 23, 2025).
“India is a powerful white-ball team. In the last 25 years, India has lost only once to Pakistan in a world tournament. India is the favourite for this tournament. It won’t be easy for Pakistan,” stated Ganguly, who was named the model ambassador of development chemical producer Vura right here on Friday.
According to Ganguly, India, after recording a complete victory in opposition to Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday, may not change its successful mixture in opposition to Pakistan.
“Pakistan don’t play spin very well. India has quality spinners in Axar (Patel), (Ravindra) Jadeja and Kuldeep (Yadav). I presume this Dubai pitch will (assist) turn a bit…India will go with this combination.”
Ganguly predicted that pitches in Dubai wouldn’t be as batter-friendly as these in Pakistan. “The spinners will have a lot of say. The ILT20 was just played in Dubai. The pitches have been used. I don’t think we’ll see 300 (plus) scores in Dubai.”
Praising century maker Shubman Gill, Ganguly underlined that ‘India is a pool of talent.’
“There is enormous talent in this country in terms of white ball. The way Abhishek Sharma batted in the T20 series (against England) was unbelievable. There is no reason why he can’t play one-day cricket. The selectors and the coaches have the liberty to pick whoever they want because they are all good. India has five Shubhman Gills who can get hundreds and win matches.”
Reiterating that Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah wanted one another’s assist, Ganguly stated, “I’m not surprised with Shami’s five wickets against Bangladesh. He will continue to lead the attack. Obviously, Bumrah is the best bowler in the world, but Shami is not far behind. The only thing is he stays fit and shoulders the responsibility like Bumrah did without Shami at the other end.”
Ganguly stated there was little to select between wicketkeeper-batters Ok.L. Rahul and Rishabh Pant.
He was hopeful that Virat Kohli, who bought out to leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, would bounce again. “I’m sure he will be able to sort this problem out. In 81 international 100s, I’m sure he has scored runs against leg-spin,” stated Ganguly.
Published – February 21, 2025 06:27 pm IST
