Sourav Ganguly (Photo Source: DC)
Ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, former India skipper Sourav Ganguly stated that neither the Rohit Sharma-led side nor the Babar Azam-led side will start as favourites against each other. The 51-year-old mentioned that both teams are equally good and hence, the team that plays better cricket on September 2, will emerge victorious.
Notably, Pakistan have posed a massive threat to India in the recent past. The top-order batters of the Indian team have failed to do well against Shaheen Shah Afridi and thus, their battle in the upcoming Asia Cup will definitely be the one to watch out for. On the other hand, India defeated Pakistan when these two teams last faced each other in the T20 World Cup. Virat Kohli absolutely decimated Pakistan’s bowling attack and he will be aiming to repeat something similar. Thus, Ganguly expects a fascinating contest but can’t pick a winner.
“It would be tough for me to name the favourite to win the match. Both the teams are really good. Pakistan have a good team, India too are really solid. Whoever plays well will win, I don’t think there’s anyone favourite as such. Whoever plays well will emerge victorious,” Ganguly stated while talking to the press in Kolkata.
Selectors have done the right thing by picking Axar Patel: Ganguly
Following a substandard performance against West Indies, Yuzvendra Chahal faced the axe as he failed to make it to the Asia Cup squad. The selectors have preferred Axar Patel and that has created quite a controversy. Axar’s bowling abilities are very similar to Ravindra Jadeja and thus, having two players with similar skill sets was not required as per many. However, Ganguly defended Axar’s selection, stating that he is a better batter than Chahal and hence, he understands the motive behind it.
“You can only have three spinners and I think they have done the right thing by picking Axar (Patel), he can bat,” Ganguly mentioned.