As Sourav Ganguly, former India captain and legendary cricketer, turns 51, millions across the country will celebrate the ‘God of the off side’. In the backdrop of massive euphoria around Ganguly’s birthday in his home city of Kolkata, the former BCCI president chatted exclusively with RevSportz.
From Jonny Bairstow’s dismissal in the Ashes, to Ajit Agarkar’s appointment as chief selector, to Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and the Eden Gardens getting the big semi-final in the ODI World Cup, Ganguly talked about a range of things related to world and Indian cricket.
Here are the excerpts…
How will you celebrate your 51st birthday? Any special plans?
Sourav Ganguly: Nothing special. I will be at home with the family. It will be a quiet birthday. Daughter Sana has come here on her holidays, and she will be here till August. So completely a homely birthday this time. I have had a lot of travelling in the last three months, so time to stay at home and celebrate with family.
The hottest topic right now in the world of cricket is Jonny Bairstow’s dismissal in the Ashes and the entire ‘Spirit of the game’ debate. How do you see it?
Sourav Ganguly: It could have been avoided. By the laws, he was out as he just walked out of the crease, but I don’t think he was trying to take a run. Australia could have avoided that dismissal.
Another big one was the West Indies missing out on the ODI World Cup 2023? Your thoughts on it?
Sourav Ganguly: Shocking and an eye-opener for West Indies. It is important for them to look after their international cricket because a lot of their players just go away to play T20 cricket around the world. So, they will have to look at this aspect carefully. They will have to look at the quality, and that is very, very important.
Ajit Agarkar has become the new chief selector. Someone who played a lot under you. Your take on the development?
Sourav Ganguly: Wish him all the best. I am sure he will have his own ideas about doing what is best for Indian cricket, and hopefully he will do a good job.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are again missing from India’s T20 squad, this time against West Indies. Do you feel this is the right time for a transition in the shortest format?
Sourav Ganguly: Pick your best players, it doesn’t matter who they are. In my opinion, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma still have a place in T20I cricket and I cannot see why a Kohli or a Rohit cannot play T20I cricket. Kohli was in great form in the IPL, and both have place in T20 cricket, if you ask me.
And your message to the likes of Rinku Singh, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Jitesh Sharma, who missed out on a call-up?
Sourav Ganguly: They just have to keep playing. They will have to keep performing in whatever chances they get. It happens all the time. Only 15 can be picked in the squad, and 11 can play. So, somebody has to miss out. I am pretty sure their time will come.
Do you think Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid will be under immense pressure to deliver the trophy in the ODI World Cup?
Sourav Ganguly: Pressure will always be there. When they played before also, there was pressure. Rohit Sharma has five centuries in the last ODI World Cup. I am sure there must have been pressure on him then also. Pressure is not a problem. I am sure they will find a way to succeed. During Rahul Dravid’s playing days, there was pressure to perform, and now that he is the head coach, there is pressure on him to deliver. That will not go away, and I don’t think pressure is an issue.
Then, why is India failing repeatedly in knockout matches?
Sourav Ganguly: We don’t perform well sometimes, in crucial phases. I don’t feel it is mental pressure, but all about execution. They are mentally strong people. Hopefully, they will cross the line soon.
Are you hopeful this time around?
Sourav Ganguly: Yes, yes, always hopeful. At least we qualified to the finals of the WTC, which is also an achievement. And yes, we have a chance. We have got good players, plenty of them. Hopefully, we will do it this time.
Thoughts on Mukesh Kumar? Someone whom you helped a lot during your stint as CAB president…
Sourav Ganguly: He is very good. He is a fantastic bowler, and brings huge strength to India. He must play. In the two Tests against West Indies, he must play.
CAB president Snehasish Ganguly said that it would be a dream come true if Eden Gardens get to host an India-Pakistan semi-final in the World Cup? Are you hopeful?
Sourav Ganguly: I hope so. We are extremely happy to have five matches at the Eden Gardens. I must thank the BCCI and Jay Shah for giving us the semi-final. I had spoken to him, and I am sure the Cricket Association of Bengal must have spoken to him a number of times about the matches. Eden Gardens is a great venue – 60-70,000 capacity, and that also plays a huge role. We will upgrade it to around 100,000 in the next two years. Extremely happy because the World Cup is a big event, and Eden has hosted big matches in the past also.
And then, two guaranteed India vs Pakistan matches in the Asia Cup? India favourites?
Sourav Ganguly: India will always be favourite in bigger tournaments. History says that. We have always had the better of Pakistan. But this Pakistan is a good team.
Your message to Rohit Sharma, the captain, who is waiting to win that World Cup trophy after missing out from the 2011 squad?
Sourav Ganguly: Just win it. He has won five IPLs, which is not easy also. So hopefully, he can do it for India in this World Cup.
Your pick for the four semi-finalists in the ODI World Cup?
Sourav Ganguly: It’s very hard to say. Australia, England, India. You can never underestimate New Zealand in these big matches. I will pick five, and include Pakistan also. Pakistan better qualify so that we will have the India-Pakistan semi-final at the Eden Gardens (laughs).
Also Read: The Need for Speed – How Ganguly Transformed Indian Cricket