New Delhi: As India prepares to embark on a pivotal five-Test series against England, former captain Sourav Ganguly has sounded a cautionary note, emphasizing the need for the team to overcome its struggles against swinging balls. This challenge is particularly pertinent given that only Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal have managed to average over 40 in Tests away from home. The upcoming series marks the beginning of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, making it a crucial juncture for India to prove its mettle in red-ball cricket.
In the heart of England, where the ball is expected to swing and seam, Ganguly believes that Rishabh Pant must adopt an aggressive approach to tackle these conditions effectively. “Pant has got to bite the bullet and play the swinging ball,” Ganguly urged, highlighting the importance of mental toughness and determination in Test cricket. The absence of consistent batting performances outside India is a significant concern, with Kohli and Jaiswal being the exceptions. Kohli, renowned for his exceptional skill, averages 41.51 in 66 away Tests, while Jaiswal has impressed with an average of 44.18 in nine away Tests.
The series against England, led by Ben Stokes, presents an opportunity for India to draw inspiration from past victories abroad. Ganguly reminisced about India’s successful tours in the past, where scoring big totals was key to success. “You look at the times India played their best away from home—it is when they put 400-500 runs on the board,” he noted. With players like Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill in the lineup, Ganguly is optimistic that India can turn its red-ball fortunes around in England.
