'I will be surprised if India lose the series': Sourav Ganguly on India-England Tests

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly applauded the Indian cricket team for inflicting massive wins on England in the last two Test matches. India lead the five-match series 2-1 going into the fourth in Ranchi from 23 February.

England’s ‘Bazball’ approach, of employing an aggressive brand of cricket, came undone in the third Test in Rajkot with the visitors suffering a 434-run loss - their second biggest defeat.

Ganguly said India’s triumph was made even more impressive considering they were without experienced members in Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. While Kohli is due to miss the entire series due to personal reasons, KL Rahul didn't recover in time from an injury . However, he is due to return for the fourth Test.

“Bazball is good, but it’s difficult for England to be successful in Indian conditions. I will be surprised if India lose the series. Please remember that India are playing without Virat [Kohli], KL [Rahul]. It’s a young team with many new faces, and yet, England are struggling,” Ganguly said as per Mid-Day.

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Ganguly lauded India’s confidence and self-assured approach even when Ravichandran Ashwin had to withdraw mid-match owing to a family emergency. He was impressed with the hosts’ heightened motivation and resilience.

“India are so confident that they allowed R Ashwin to go back home in the middle of a Test. India look much more motivated in this series,” Ganguly explained.

Ganguly praised young talents Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan after the duo exhibited terrific batting  in Rajkot. Jaiswal, 22, has been the standout batter for India this series and has already slammed two double centuries. 26-year-old Sarfaraz Khan , on the other hand, impressed with sparkling half-centuries in both innings on his Test debut .

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Ganguly was impressed with the way Jaiswal has adapted to the different formats. “Jaiswal is not only a good player, he’s capable of playing all formats of the game,” Ganguly said.

Ganguly also talked about Sarfaraz and his promising start to international cricket. He urged the right-hander to take the next step and perform in overseas conditions. “Sarfaraz is a good example for budding cricketers, who must keep in mind that if they score consistently, they will get their chances,” Ganguly added.