Border Gavaskar Trophy: Sourav Ganguly predicts tight contest, says ‘Will never rule India out’

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly believes it is premature to count India out of contention for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia despite their recent struggles in Test cricket. Ganguly pointed to India’s history of overcoming challenges to deliver under pressure, drawing parallels to past Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) successes.

India’s confidence has been shaken by their 3-0 home Test series defeat to New Zealand, a rare whitewash on Indian soil. The team faces additional setbacks as skipper Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of the first Test in Perth following the birth of his second child, while rising star Shubman Gill is sidelined due to injury. Despite these challenges, Ganguly remains optimistic, citing India’s depth and resilience.

Speaking on Club Prairie Fire’s YouTube channel, Ganguly referenced the 2021 BGT, where India defied expectations to clinch a historic series victory in Australia despite facing significant injuries and setbacks. He emphasized the team’s fearless approach and the ability of its players to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations.

“I won’t rule India out. When they went in 2021, I was the president of the board and we got we all-out for 36 in Adelaide and then we lost Kohli by the time we went to Brisbane. There was noh Rohit Sharma, nor Jasprit Bumrah, nor Ravichandran Ashwin, and these boys came back and beat a top-notch Australian side. So there’s tremendous talent in India and I wouldn’t predict the series yet,” Ganguly said.

“These young boys are different. You know the likes of Pant, the likes of Gill. I know Bumrah will lead the first test in the absence of Rohit. I consider him a very gifted not only terms of bowling but also he thinks about the game… I will not rule this out. I can’t put a button on finger and say this is the way they are going to do it. They have they have surprised man,” Ganguly added.

While the absence of Rohit and Gill is significant, India’s batting lineup still boasts formidable names such as Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, and Abhimanyu Easwaran. Additionally, Devdutt Padikkal has joined the squad as Gill’s replacement, further strengthening the team’s options.

India’s bowling attack also remains a force to reckon with, led by Jasprit Bumrah, who will captain the side in Rohit’s absence. Bumrah’s leadership and ability to deliver in crucial moments will be pivotal to India’s chances in the series.

The upcoming Test in Perth will be only India’s second match at the venue since their loss in 2018. Despite this, Ganguly believes the team has what it takes to bounce back and prove its mettle. With the World Test Championship Final spot at stake, the series opener is shaping up to be a defining moment for Indian cricket.

Ganguly’s unwavering belief in the team underscores the immense potential and depth within the Indian squad, setting the stage for a thrilling Border-Gavaskar Trophy clash.