‘Half of the players don’t even get to play…’ – Former India skipper’s important advice to Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid ahead of World Cup 2023

Even though India haven’t won any major title since 2013, Sourav Ganguly, a former skipper and former Indian Cricket Board president, thinks they have the talent to win the ODI World Cup at home later this year.

In the 2019 ODI World Cup, Ganguly counseled captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid to remain with the same team that has been performing so well lately, thoroughly trouncing Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

“India can never be a weak team. A country that has so much talent can never be a weak team. Half of the players don’t even get a chance. I would want Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma, and the selectors to hold on to the same team till the World Cup,” Ganguly was quoted as saying on Sports Tak.

They should play fearless cricket, it doesn’t matter if they win the trophy or not: Sourav Ganguly

The Indian squad has recently come under fire for playing a reserved game in major competitions. A squad that dominates most opponents in bilateral matches nonetheless turns to “safe” cricket and suffers against elite competition. Ganguly instructed Dravid and Rohit to play fearless cricket in the World Cup and not to worry about the outcome.

“When they reach the World Cup, they should play without any baggage. They should play fearless cricket, it doesn’t matter if they win the trophy or not,” the former Indian Cricket Board president said.

The legendary opener praised India’s gifted cricketers and urged them to give it their all.

“The team which has Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami… Ravindra Jadeja will come back… can never be bad,” he added.

From the upcoming edition of the Indian T20 League, Ganguly will serve as the director of cricket for the Delhi franchise. The squad has the firepower to win the championship, according to the former captain, but the franchise will miss the services of their regular skipper Rishabh Pant, who is recovering from multiple injuries sustained in a vehicle accident in December of last year.