Ganguly thinks Kohli can be at No 4: Amidst the perennial debate and confusion about India’s No. 4 position in ODIs, Sourav Ganguly, the former captain, believes that the team boasts an abundance of choices, including Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul. Ganguly accentuates the importance of adaptability and underlines that batting positions are not fixed in stone, emphasizing the need for flexibility.
Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Ganguly’s sentiments find resonance in the recent selection of Rahul and Iyer in India’s 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup. Both players are returning to action after prolonged injury hiatuses.
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Ganguly thinks Kohli can be at No 4
Ganguly thinks Kohli can be at No 4: Ganguly dismisses the rigidity often associated with batting positions, asserting that any player can flourish at No. 4. Citing examples from his own career and Sachin Tendulkar’s, he highlights the malleability of roles within the team. Ganguly emphasizes the formidable talent pool at India’s disposal.
“No. 4 is just a number, anyone can fit in,” Ganguly said. “I really don’t think that anybody is born as an opener or No. 3 or No. 4. I had started in the middle order in one-day cricket and was asked to open when Sachin [Tendulkar] was the captain. Sachin also started at No. 6; when he opened, he became a world-class player.”
The former skipper downplays concerns about resource scarcity, suggesting that the wealth of talent can be overwhelming. He urges clarity in role allocation and advocates nurturing consistency in the No. 4 position leading up to the World Cup.
“So anybody can play at No. 4. There’s Virat Kohli for No. 4; there’s Shreyas Iyer once he does well at the Asia Cup; there’s KL Rahul. India has enormous talent.”
In Ganguly’s view, fixating on a single batting position is unwarranted, as it takes a collective effort to secure a World Cup triumph. He champions a pragmatic approach, urging selectors to make decisive choices and stand by them, instead of overanalyzing the impact of a single slot.
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As Ganguly thinks Kohli can be at No 4 now, the No. 4 conundrum has persisted since the run-up to the 2019 ODI World Cup and resurfaced this year due to injuries to Rahul and Iyer, who were uncertain for the Asia Cup. Recently, Rohit Sharma acknowledged the long-standing issue, emphasizing the need for resolution.
In Iyer’s absence this year, India grappled with stability at No. 4, offering fleeting chances to various batters but failing to find a consistent solution. Ganguly’s stance echoes the imperative of fostering stability and strategic consistency.
Ganguly Has Faith in the Team, Talks About Bumrah
Ganguly’s optimism extends to the return of Jasprit Bumrah, who made a comeback during the T20Is in Ireland and subsequently earned a spot in the Asia Cup squad. Ganguly commends Bumrah’s performance and anticipates his formidable presence in the Asia Cup. He lauds Bumrah’s pace and form during the practice sessions.
“He bowled well [on his comeback] and obviously the opposition is going to be different,” Ganguly said of Bumrah’s return. “But it’s his first tour after a long time and he’s just been eased in. I’m looking forward to the Asia Cup; he’s been bowling quick and players in the nets have been telling that he’s hitting the bat hard. I saw him bowling in Ireland and he bowled good pace.”
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With the impending ODI World Cup scheduled for October-November and hosted by India, Ganguly evokes the team’s successful past as hosts in 2011. He expresses faith in the current squad’s potential, underscoring the need for determination and teamwork to achieve milestones.
“I have a lot of faith in this team, and hopefully we’ll see a side that will play the Asia Cup, the Australia series, and the World Cup. It’s important for everyone to be in good form and be determined. One batting position or one player doesn’t win you the World Cup.”
As the Asia Cup unfolds from August 30 to September 17, India’s subsequent engagements against Australia and the forthcoming World Cup loom. Ganguly underscores the collective responsibility for success, emphasizing that no single player or position can guarantee a World Cup victory.
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