Still an open game at the Eden Gardens: Sourav Ganguly

Former India skipper and CAB president Sourav Ganguly believes that it is still anyone’s game in the second Test match between India and New Zealand at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The fact that the New Zealand bowlers were relentless in their ploy to dismiss the Indian batsmen at will. However, the likes of Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara impressed with some terrific batting, keeping the Kiwis at bay.

Speaking at the presser, Sourav Ganguly said that the pacers would have a massive role to play with swing and lateral movement being the key to both team’s success.

“I think the fast bowlers will have a role to play… the new ball is doing a bit on the surface especially with the bounce. The first 20 overs will be crucial with the new ball, spinners haven’t got any help yet but will start turning from day three,” Ganguly said.

“It’s still an open game for India if they get to 275-300. If Ravindra Jadeja and Wriddhiman Saha take India’s total to 300 runs then the hosts will be in the driver’s seat. It will not be easy as the game progresses and batting will get tougher,” he added.

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Speaking about Indian skipper and his current batting slump, Ganguly added, “I don’t think so Virat is under any pressure with captaincy and he has scored a lot of runs as captain. I too have struggled as captain in 2001 and all captains go through this slump. I don’t think it is a problem for Virat Kohli, it’s just a minor blip, three or four innings which have gone by and he will again score runs.”

“I think he has to get runs very quickly and get big runs because I think time is running out for Shikhar Dhawan in Test cricket and the same with Rohit Sharma as well. I think these two players are under pressure in holding their place as Test batsman. Their Test career hasn’t taken off like in the one-day format and in Test they desperately need to get runs and find form quickly,” Ganguly also said.

Speaking about the impact Cheteshwar Pujara has had, the 43-year old said, “He batted exceptionally well on a difficult surface in the morning session with the ball seaming around. I have said before and I reiterate again that he is a must in this Indian side. Pujara is a must at No. 3 on the Indian side and at that position, you don’t want someone to play shots all the time.

“On tough pitches, he is a much much important player on this side than anybody else. When the ball was swinging around and batting was tough, Pujara stood up and did the hard bit,” Ganguly said.

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