Sourav Ganguly dismisses IPL theory over India’s WTC final loss debate

Team India faced a disappointing loss in the World Test Championship final against Australia earlier this month. Australia won by a big margin of 209 at the Oval, England on June 11th. Many players from the Indian team arrived shortly in England due to their respective schedules in the 2023 Indian Premier League.

After the WTC Final loss, Indian team management has been criticised for not allocating enough time to acclimatise to English conditions. Although, veteran Chetershwar Pujara was already in England as he was playing in County cricket and produced consistent performances as a captain of Sussex. However, the 36-year-old couldn’t continue his form as he registered scores of 14 and 27 across the two innings in a big final against the Aussies.

Speaking on the situation, former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly opposed the theory of IPL affecting players’ performances in international cricket. Ganguly also gave the example of Ajinkya Rahane who had a great outing in IPL and also turned out to be the highest scorer for India in the WTC final. In his comeback Test, Rahane scored 89 and 46 across both innings.

‘After IPL finished, there was enough time to acclimatise to Test cricket’ – Ganguly

“I don’t agree with this theory. Ajinkya Rahane also played IPL and he played very well during IPL and World Test Championship final. So I don’t believe in this theory. Some of the Australian boys (Cameron Green, David Warner), played well in IPL also and did well in World Test Championship,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

“After IPL finished, there was enough time to acclimatise to Test cricket. They went to England and they played. It used to happen in the past. You played ODI cricket and you played Test cricket, things used to happen very, very quickly and so I don’t believe it’s an issue. So I believe that even if you play IPL, you should have the ability to adjust your technique and temperament and do well in a Test match,” he further added.