Kolkata: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly says he is impressed by the next wave of Indian talent, even as he argues that some players may need more time before stepping into the Test arena. In an interview, Ganguly suggested that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is not quite ready for Test cricket yet, but insisted the youngster has the potential to become \u201cIndia\u2019s future.\u201d He also touched on how selectors have handled domestic performers and addressed questions around Rishabh Pant\u2019s form, captaincy pressure, and how T20 cricket has evolved since the legends of his era stepped away from the shortest format.<\/p>\n
On the question of whether Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is ready for Tests, Ganguly made his stance clear: \u201cIn T20s, he should be included right away, but not in Test cricket.\u201d The former captain added that for a Test call-up, Sooryavanshi must first build a stronger first-class record and score more runs consistently. Ganguly\u2019s view was that the raw ability is already there, but the conditioning needed for Test cricket takes time. \u201cTo see a 15-year-old bat like this against every side in the world is phenomenal,\u201d he said, before reiterating that the batter represents what is coming for Indian cricket.<\/p>\n
Ganguly then widened the discussion to India\u2019s selection pathway, particularly the way Ranji performers are viewed. He highlighted that Auqib Nabi had delivered a strong domestic season yet was not part of the India squad for the Afghanistan series, while Prince Yadav did receive an opportunity. Ganguly questioned the balance of those decisions, asking whether players are being overlooked in the domestic structure. He felt Nabi \u201cshould have been in the squad,\u201d pointing to Nabi\u2019s outstanding bowling in the Ranji Trophy.<\/p>\n
At the same time, Ganguly did not dismiss Prince Yadav\u2019s credentials. He described Yadav as talented and quick, and praised the selectors for giving him a chance. However, Ganguly\u2019s conclusion remained that both players deserved to be picked. His reasoning was rooted in pace and impact: \u201cWhen you have pace, you don\u2019t keep them in first class,\u201d he said, arguing that the opportunity should come alongside strong performances at the domestic level.<\/p>\n
Turning to Rishabh Pant, Ganguly said the wicketkeeper-batter has been struggling with consistency. He was asked whether captaincy is weighing on Pant\u2019s batting, and Ganguly responded that Pant is already a high-class Test player. \u201cHis Test match batting is world class,\u201d he said, while also explaining that Pant is still working through the adjustment required for T20 cricket. Ganguly expressed hope that Pant settles into the format, stressing that the talent is undeniable. In his view, the challenge is not unique to Pant\u2014captaincy affects everyone. \u201cCaptaincy is a burden on everyone. It\u2019s how you handle it,\u201d he said, adding a realistic note that the desire to lead comes with responsibility: \u201cBut then you want to be captain, isn\u2019t it? \u2026 So you will have to get that balance right. You do it or somebody else will.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ganguly also reflected on how T20 cricket has grown, especially after the generation he belonged to stepped away from the format. He said he did not foresee the scale T20 would reach over the next 25 years. \u201cWe learned our cricket in a different era,\u201d he noted, and pointed out that his era included not just himself and other contemporaries, but also big names like Ricky Ponting, Kumar Sangakkara, Joe Root and Alastair Cook. In his assessment, the game changes because generations change, and nothing remains static in cricket or life. He argued that T20 is here to stay and will continue to uncover talent\u2014players who can swing the ball through the line and hit into the stands with power and timing.<\/p>\n
With the IPL continuing to shape the careers of emerging stars and established India players alike, fans are also looking ahead to the next clash featuring RCB vs GT, along with the latest developments across the league. The Orange Cap and Purple Cap race remains a focal point as teams chase momentum in the season.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Kolkata: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly says he is impressed by the next wave of Indian talent, even as he argues that some players may…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":12546,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"Sourav Ganguly on IPL Talent: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Tests","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Sourav Ganguly reacts to IPL rising star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, saying he\u2019s not ready for Tests yet\u2014but believes big things are coming.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12547","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\n