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

CAB president and former India skipper Sourav Ganguly has stated that he completely agrees with the decision which the selection panel has made. Ahead of the squad announcement, fans expected the axing of under-performing Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. However, the duo was given another opportunity and were included in the 15 man squad for the upcoming home series against New Zealand that was announced yesterday

Fans argued that Sharma’s selection puts Pujara’s place in the playing XI under doubt.

Speaking on the two Ganguly 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 justified Rohit’s selection saying that player like him need a longer run in the Test format. Ganguly also agreed with him and says that whoever has been picked should be given enough chances.

“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.”

A tougher call could well be on the openers – with Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, and new sensation KL Rahul – all picked.

“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 be the beginning of a long home stretch for India with 13 Tests lined up. Sourav, who was part of the Cricket Advisory Committee that interviewed coach prospects and picked Anil Kumble, said he is keenly looking forward to India’s strategy in coming months.

“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.”