Time is running out for Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma in Test cricket: Sourav Ganguly

Oct 1, 2016 at 11:54 AM

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Time is running out for Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma in Test cricket: Sourav Ganguly

The Indian team once again failed to give a good batting performance in home conditions when they were  reduced to 239 for 7 by New Zealand in the second Test at Eden Gardens. Apart from Cheteshwar Pujara (87) and Ajinkya Rahane (77), none of the Indian batsmen applied themselves on a tough Eden Garden pitch.

However, former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly is unfazed by India’s position and said that if the hosts manage to score 275-300, they can leave the game wide open. Fast bowlers had little to offer in the first Test at Kanpur but Ganguly insisted that they can play a vital role on the Eden pitch which is looking to offer good bounce.

“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 in a conversation with Indian Today.

“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.

Meanwhile, Ganguly said that he is not worried by the recent dip in form for Virat Kohli. Ever since scoring the double-century in the first Test against West Indies, the Indian Test skipper has struggled to get going with the willow and his poor run continued when he was dismissed for only 9.

Ganguly also said that time is running out for Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma. Both the batsmen have been under severe pressure to perform and more misery compounded on them when they were dismissed for 1 and 2 respectively.

“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 has 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  said.

He heaped lavish praise on Cheteshwar Pujara who scored his third half-century in as many innings.

“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 in 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 in 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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