Will Ganguly’s Support Propel Team India in the Lord’s Test?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sourav Ganguly supports the Indian team ahead of the Lord's Test.
- Shubman Gill shows remarkable form with historic performances.
- India aims to bounce back after a defeat in the first Test.
- The conditions at Lord's may favor India.
- India possesses a rich talent pool across generations.
Kolkata, July 8 (NationPress) As the Indian cricket team gears up to face England in the third Test at Lord’s starting July 10, former captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed strong support for the squad, commending their determination following a significant loss in the first match. He voiced his confidence in the team as they aim for victory, with the series currently tied at 1-1.
Reflecting on India’s performance in the ongoing five-Test series, Ganguly recognized the challenges faced but emphasized the team's resilience.
“India has performed admirably. They are competing well. Despite the defeat in Leeds, India has shown strength. However, the next Test is crucial, and it’s premature to make predictions,” Ganguly stated to IANS during a press conference on his birthday.
After losing the first Test in Leeds by five wickets, with England successfully pursuing a challenging target of 378, India bounced back with an impressive 336-run victory in the second Test at Edgbaston — marking their inaugural Test win at that venue and the largest overseas victory by runs in Indian Test history.
Ganguly sees the upcoming Test at Lord’s as a level playing field for both teams, although he believes the conditions may favor India.
“The lively pitch is advantageous for India. Our batsmen should perform well. We have the capability to take 20 wickets. It’s a balanced advantage,” he remarked.
A pivotal aspect of India’s resurgence has been the outstanding performance of skipper Shubman Gill. The 25-year-old made history at Edgbaston by scoring twin centuries of 269 and 161, totaling 430 runs in the Test, which is the second-highest aggregate in Test history. Ganguly was generous in his praise for the young captain.
“260 runs are exceptional. I am confident this will chart a new course for his career. I see him as a middle-order player. Currently, it’s a honeymoon phase, but expectations will heighten shortly. In four days, the pressure will increase,” he noted.
Despite Gill’s impressive start as Test captain, Ganguly reminded that consistency and leadership will be tested as the series progresses.
Looking beyond the current series, Ganguly praised the rich talent pool in Indian cricket, asserting that the nation consistently produces high-caliber cricketers across generations.
“India is an immensely talented country. Each generation presents new stars — Gavaskar, Kapil, Tendulkar, Dravid, Kumble, Kohli, Bumrah, Shubman Gill, SSB, Yashasvi, Akash, Mukesh, Mohammed Siraj. Just look at the talent. Indian cricket is remarkably strong.