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'We Didn't Chop Before The WC': Sourav Ganguly Takes Dig at Rohit Sharma & Co.

image-llz1sox3Team India. (X.com)

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has highlighted that the current Indian team under Rohit Sharma tends to make more changes than necessary. The ex-BCCI President emphasized the significance of maintaining a consistent lineup before major tournaments, citing the example of the 2003 World Cup team led by him. 

Meanwhile, the former captain also pointed out Australia's dominance in the early 2000s, attributing it to their consistent team selection. Ganguly, who guided India to the 2003 World Cup final, has urged the Indian team to retain the same group of players from the ongoing Asia Cup squad for the upcoming World Cup.

“We had a settled combination. That’s the most important thing. We were a very good team by then and had started winning. We were on song. We had some fantastic players. That’s why I keep saying don’t chop and change ahead of a major tournament. Have a set of players together for 1 year and let them win or lose and get ready as a team,"  Sourav Ganguly said on 'Backstage With Boria'.

"Australia did not chop and change for years between 1999-2003 and that’s why they were so good. For that one year in 2003, we had won everything. We won in the West Indies, won the Natwest and except for the blip against New Zealand on those pitches, we won it all."

"We went to South Africa as a very good team. That’s why it is important that we have our 14 by the Asia Cup, the same 14-15 that will play the World Cup. It is key you know your combination and don’t keep chopping and changing till the last minute," added Ganguly.

At present, Rohit Sharma and his squad are stationed in Kandy, getting ready for their inaugural match of the 2023 Asia Cup, slated against arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday, September 2. 

Turning to the World Cup, the mega event will begin with the reigning champions, England, facing off against the runners-up of the last edition, New Zealand, in the tournament opener held in Ahmedabad on October 5.