Sourav Ganguly Hails Shubman Gill's England Form, Predicts Mounting Pressure Ahead

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has lauded Shubman Gill's current form as India's Test captain, but anticipates increased pressure on the young player in the future.

Sourav Ganguly comments on the emergence of talented players in Indian cricket.

Ganguly, celebrating his 53rd birthday, referenced a recent interview where he emphasized the constant emergence of talented cricketers in India.

Gill is on the verge of surpassing Rahul Dravid's record of 602 runs, the most by an Indian batsman in a series in England. India recently clinched a significant 336-run victory at Edgbaston, tying the five-match series at 1-1.

"This is the best I've seen him bat, and I'm not surprised," Ganguly told reporters at Eden Gardens during his birthday celebration, according to PTI. He emphasized the continuous cycle of talent renewal in Indian cricket: "There will always be players in Indian cricket after every generation. Whenever there's a void, players will come and fill it."

Ganguly highlighted the depth of talent within the Indian cricketing system, stating, "There is so much talent in Indian cricket. In every generation, you will find players." He pointed to a lineage of legendary players: "After the great (Sunil) Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, (Sachin) Tendulkar, (Rahul) Dravid, (Anil) Kumble came and then (Virat) Kohli, now Gill, (Yashasvi) Jaiswal, Akash Deep, Mukesh (Kumar), (Mohammed) Siraj... just see the abundance of talent."

When questioned about potentially coaching the Indian team in the future, Ganguly remained reserved. "It's too early. There are many desires, but reality is different. Do you wish to become coach? Let's see, don't know," he stated.

In his debut as captain, Gill has amassed 585 runs at an impressive average of 146.25, including three centuries. His scores of 269 and 161 in Birmingham have broken records, including the highest match aggregate by an Indian batsman.

Gill is now approaching Don Bradman's 88-year-old record for the most runs as captain in a Test series. Bradman scored 810 runs in five Tests during the 1936-37 Ashes, averaging 90 with three centuries. Gill needs 225 more runs to break this record.

"It's phenomenal. I hope his career will take a new direction," Ganguly said. "And I believe he's a middle-order batter. He has just become captain, it's a honeymoon period. But there would be more pressure with time. The pressure will build in the next three Tests."

Ganguly stressed the importance of a fresh start at Lord's, despite India's recent win. "It's just one-all. There's still a lot to play for with three matches to go. India played well, and have been playing well. They may have lost at Headingley but they played well. But again, you have to start from scratch in the next match (at Lord's)."

He also noted that the new generation of players, under Gill's leadership, has performed admirably, compensating for the absence of experienced players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R Ashwin.

According to Ganguly, a lively pitch at Lord's would be advantageous for India. "It will be advantage India if it's a lively pitch. Because our batters will score runs, and we'll be in a position to take 20 wickets. I've said before -- if you give grass and life on the wicket, we can take 20 wickets." He also added, "Last week it was very hot in England, so it's flat. But it's a long way to go."

Regarding the bowling lineup for the upcoming match at Lord's, Ganguly offered his insights. "If the surface is brown, Kuldeep has to play 100 per cent. It depends on the surface. If it's green, you can have four pacers. If Kuldeep comes in, it could be either in Nitish (Kumar Reddy) or Washy's (Washington Sundar) place."

Akash Deep took ten wickets in the match while replacing Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested. Mohammed Shami was also absent due to injury.

Addressing the topic of non-Bengali players representing Bengal, Ganguly acknowledged their dedication. "It's their hard work. They have come here, worked hard and with CAB's support have come this far. You have to give credit."

Sourav Ganguly, born on July 8, 1972, is considered one of Indian cricket's most influential captains. He is credited with rebuilding the team after the match-fixing scandal and leading India to success in overseas competitions. His career statistics include 7,212 Test runs with 16 centuries between 1996 and 2008. In ODIs, he remains India's third-highest run-scorer with 11,363 runs and 22 centuries.