Sourav Ganguly skeptical of 5-0 whitewash in Australia series

With the India-Australia series set to begin on September 17, Sunday, former captain Sourav Ganguly believes India will win the upcoming five-match ODI series against Australia but said that a 5-0 whitewash is unlikely against the visitors.

The Indian team returned from Sri Lanka after whitewashing them across all formats, but Ganguly’s statement is derived from the probable belief that Australia are a much stronger opponent and it would be a competitive contest, unlike the one-sided one against Sri Lanka.

“At home, India will be very tough to beat. India will win but 5-0 (like against Sri Lanka) may not be possible as Australia are a strong side,” Ganguly said on Wednesday.

It appears that the selectors have a plan in mind as reflected in the choice of players they have given a chance to, in the first three matches. R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have been not picked for the first three games while Yuvraj Singh has been ‘rested’ again. As reported by TOI, he also hailed their rotation policy, saying: “They (selectors) want to assess the youngsters. It’s a good move looking ahead to the World Cup 2019. We have enough time to prepare. Everyone will get a chance, that’s what you need in a team building.”

Dada is another Yuvi supporter

India are now looking to strengthen their middle order by giving various players like KL Rahul and Manish Pandey a go at the No. 4 spot which belonged to Yuvraj Singh until the Sri Lanka series. Even though there were reports about the Punjab all-rounder not making it into the squad was because of his fitness level, it is quite obvious that his non-selection has to do a lot with his indifferent form as well.

It can also be associated with the fact that the management is backing players that they can bank on in 2019,  and Yuvi, being on the wrong side of the thirties, misses out. However, Ganguly said it’s still not over for one of India’s best match winners and come back heroes, Yuvraj Singh who was overlooked for the upcoming Australia series.

“Yes, he can make a comeback if he fights. why not, nothing is over till it’s actually over,” he concluded.