India should play fearless cricket, it doesn't matter if they win the trophy or not: Sourav Ganguly

The Indian team has recently been criticised for their lack of energy at ICC competitions. A team that destroys the majority of teams in bilateral matches somehow fails to make it big at global tournaments is what concerns most of the experts and even fans. India’s last World Cup title win was back in 2011 when the Men in Blue bagged the ODI World Cup.

Even though India hasn't won an ICC title since 2013, Sourav Ganguly, former BCCI president and a former captain of the team, thinks the Men in Blue have the potential to win the ODI World Cup at home this year. Ahead of the marquee tournament, Ganguly feels that skipper Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid should continue with the same team that recently defeated Sri Lanka and New Zealand at home.

“India can never be a weak team. A country that has so much talent can never be a weak team. Half of the players don't even get a chance. I would want Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma and the selectors to hold on to the same team till the World Cup. When they reach the World Cup, they should play without any baggage. They should play fearless cricket, it doesn't matter if they win the trophy or not,” Ganguly told Sports Tak.

Ganguly lavishes praises on Indian players

The legendary opener praised India's extraordinary cricketers and urged them to give it their all at the upcoming World Cup. The Indian side recently witnessed youngsters Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan hitting double centuries in ODIs and their brilliance with the bat caught everyone's attention.

Though Ishan has not managed to put up a remarkable knock since his double ton, Gill has been one of the most consistent players for India in the 50-over format currently. Mohammed Siraj has been brilliant in leading India’s pace attack in the absence of spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

“The team which has Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami... Ravindra Jadeja will come back... can never be bad,” he added.

The Indian team is currently missing the services of Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah. The all-rounder recently recovered from his injury and has opted to play Ranji Trophy games for Saurashtra before pushing him into the high-pressure international games. Bumrah too is recovering from an injury, and will be expected to get back in action for the all-important Border Gavaskar Trophy.

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