Key Points

Sourav Ganguly believes India's young batting lineup can replicate their historic Australia success in England. The former captain stressed Bumrah's fitness as crucial while advising Pant to show more restraint. India will play five Tests across England's iconic grounds under Gill's leadership. The tour marks a new era with Kohli and Rohit absent from the Test setup.

Key Points: Sourav Ganguly Backs Young India Team to Succeed in England Tests

  • Ganguly confident in India's young squad despite absence of Kohli and Rohit
  • Bumrah's workload to be managed during England tour
  • Pant urged to balance aggression with defensive discipline
  • India to play five Tests across iconic English venues
2 min read

We just need two things, batting well and Bumrah remaining fit: Sourav Ganguly's advice to Indian team ahead of England tour

Ganguly highlights batting form and Bumrah's fitness as key for India's success in England Tests, drawing parallels to Australia 2020-21 victory.

"We just need two things, batting well and Bumrah remaining fit. We won in Australia with a young batting line-up. - Sourav Ganguly"

New Delhi June 14

Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly shared his key advice for the Indian cricket team ahead of their five-match Test series against England, beginning June 4.

A new era beckons for India in the Test format as the modern-day giants gear up for their first assignment without the prized batting bigwigs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Shubman Gill, India's youngest Test captain, has taken the baton from Rohit to guide the nation to success and challenge for the World Test Championship mace.

Speaking to Boria Majumdar on Revsportz, Ganguly said, "Yes, sure. We just need two things, batting well and [Jasprit] Bumrah remaining fit. We won in Australia, in Melbourne (2020-21), with a young batting line-up, having no [Virat] Kohli, no Rohit Sharma. So, I do not see why we cannot win."

Bumrah's use will remain limited throughout the five Tests in England. During the announcement of India's squad for the upcoming Test tour of England, chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Bumrah was advised not to contest consecutive Tests as part of his workload management.

Speaking on new Indian vice-captain Rishabh Pant, he said, "He's a very good player, but he has to continue playing the way he played a few years ago. I saw him in Australia, and I didn't like what I saw. Too many shots. He kept swinging. The ball decked around at certain venues. He has got the ability, there is no doubt about that, but it's about the application. I want to see some more fights from him. He's got a very good defence. So, he has to defend and now swing at every ball."

The five-match Test series will take place from June to August 2025, with matches scheduled at Headingley (Leeds), Edgbaston (Birmingham), Lord's and The Oval (London), and Old Trafford (Manchester).

India's Test squad for England series: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul P.
Ganguly is absolutely right! Our batting needs to step up big time. Without Kohli and Rohit, youngsters like Jaiswal and Gill have golden opportunity to cement their places. Bumrah's fitness is non-negotiable though - he's our X-factor in English conditions. 🇮🇳🏏
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Priya K.
Excited to see Shubman Gill as captain! He's shown great maturity in IPL. But I'm worried about middle order stability - KL Rahul needs to take responsibility. Also hope selectors have backup pacers ready since Bumrah won't play all matches.
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Amit S.
Ganguly's comments on Pant are spot on. As much as we love his explosive batting, Test cricket needs temperament. Remember Dravid's solid defense won us matches in England. Hope Pant finds the right balance between attack and defense.
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Sanjay M.
Why is Jadeja still in the squad? We should give chance to younger all-rounders like Nitish Reddy. Time to build for future rather than rely on past performers. Also, where is Sarfaraz Khan? He deserves a chance after consistent domestic performances!
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Neha R.
The real test will be handling English conditions - swinging Dukes ball and overcast skies. Our batsmen need proper practice matches before Tests, not just net sessions. Hope BCCI arranges good warm-up games unlike last time! 🤞
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Vikram D.
This is perfect opportunity to create new legacy. 2007 T20 WC was won by young team after seniors opted out. History might repeat! But bowling looks thin without Bumrah playing all matches - Siraj needs to lead the attack responsibly.

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