Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has voiced concerns over Team India’s selection and performance following a sudden batting collapse on Day 2 of the India vs England 1st Test at Headingley, Leeds.
India looked in full control after a dominant Day 1 and strong start to Day 2. Shubman Gill smashed 147, and Rishabh Pant celebrated a century with a trademark somersault, pushing India to a commanding position. However, things took a dramatic turn as India lost 7 wickets for just 41 runs, getting bowled out for 471, after having looked set for a score close to 600.
Speaking to PTI, Ganguly said India missed an opportunity to capitalise on England’s dry pitch conditions. He also took a dig at Gautam Gambhir’s selection strategy, stating that Arshdeep Singh, with his left-arm angle, should have been preferred over Prasidh Krishna.
“Kuldeep will play slowly. It’s a long series. I would have played Arshdeep… for the different angle,” Ganguly remarked.
England, who had looked shaky early on, responded well. After Jasprit Bumrah removed Zak Crawley and bowled out Ben Duckett for 62, the Indian bowlers failed to maintain pressure. Ollie Pope capitalised and remained unbeaten on 100, while Harry Brook (0*) stayed cautious at the other end. England ended Day 2 at 209/3, trailing by 262.
Ganguly also warned that India may not get such favourable conditions again and urged them to finish the job.
“India must win this. They won’t get this opportunity again,” he said.
Ganguly, however, refrained from predicting the outcome of the series, calling it “too early to say.”
