Sourav Ganguly finds it difficult to comprehend how Ajinkya Rahane was given the Test vice-captaincy despite sitting out for over 18 months. The former captain of India has urged "consistency and continuity" during the hiring procedure.
With scores of 89 and 46 against Australia earlier this month during the World Test Championship final at The Oval, Rahane, 35, who had been out of favour for a whole year and a half, was India's finest batter during India’s defeat to Australia. The national selection committee, under the guidance of acting chief Shiv Sunder Das, reappointed Rahane to be Rohit Sharma's backup for the West Indies Test series after just a single Test in which he had made his comeback.
Sourav Ganguly, spoke to PTI in an exclusive conversation. He was asked whether it made sense to groom someone like Shubman Gill who can lead the side in a few year’s time. He said, "Yeah I think so."
“There has to be continuity and consistency in selection” : Sourav Ganguly
The all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, a lock for India's Test XI both at home and abroad, was mentioned by Ganguly as a potential candidate. Sourav Ganguly said, "I won't say it's a step backward.You have been out for 18 months, then you play a Test and you become a vice-captain. I don't understand the thought process behind it. There is Ravindra Jadeja, who has been there for a long time and a certainty in Test matches, he is a candidate.
He added, “but to just come back and straightway become vice-captain after 18 months, I don't understand. My only thing is that the selection shouldn't be hot and cold. There has to be continuity and consistency in selection."
By leaving Cheteshwar Pujara off the team for the West Indies tour, the Indian selectors are starting the process of change. Ganguly desires open dialogue between the selectors and Pujara, who has participated in 103 Tests representing India, on Pujara's future.
The former Indian Cricket Board President said, “Selectors should have a clear idea about him
Fans react to Sourav Ganguly's statement on making Ajinkya Rahane vice captain : -
Sourav Ganguly said, "I don't understand the thought process behind making Rahane Vice Captain again. There's Jadeja, who is a certainty in Tests, he is a candidate. But to just come back and straightway becomes VC after 18 months, I don't understand". (PTI).
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 29, 2023
True, VC is the Skipper's deputy. VC should be someone who is being groomed as a probable future Captain, if the other performance criteria are met. In Indian cricket VC is a position which is more of a consolation award. We have had 10 or so VCs in the recent past which is 1/2
— Roman (@romans416) June 29, 2023
Its not about vice captain, its about backup captain. In Indian test team only Pant have previous experience to leading. Jadeja as captain is very bad. As vice captain Jaddu is ok. But as back up captain certainly not. In that case Rahane is best option. He has 2-3 years left.
— Proshanto Acharjee (@AjProsanta) June 30, 2023
Rahane never got the credit for the mindset he has. He should be instead captain. He never get enough chances as he is not vocal. He silently plays thats why everyone is after him. He is the Goat
— sach (@It_is_what112) June 29, 2023
Jadeja is a bad option. Could have been a new young guy for vc, Gill would have been ideal but Rahane isn't too bad an option given his achievements as an Indian skipper. Lowkey hoping for Rahane to become full time captain soon enough. And Gill to be a vc maybe
— Saptak (@sapcric) June 29, 2023
Where was Ganguly when KL Rahul replaced Dhawan as captain in the Asia Cup after coming out of injury??
— Sashank Ramesh (@speak2sachin) June 30, 2023
It's interesting to hear Sourav Ganguly's perspective on Rahane becoming Vice Captain again. He raises valid points about Jadeja's performance in Tests. The decision does seem abrupt after an 18-month absence.
— 💎 ZANE REMPEL (@Zane_Rempel) June 29, 2023
It's interesting to hear Sourav Ganguly's perspective on Rahane being chosen as Vice Captain again. He raises a valid point about Jadeja's consistency in Tests. It definitely adds another layer to the decision-making process.
— DAMIEN 💱 (@xDamien_Toy74) June 29, 2023
He has provided results dont forget BGT trophy leading from the front and dropped becouse of poor performance so kohli pujara and rahane had same avg in that period but favorisom couse the his place. Some players lack skills of playing but have captaincy talent.
— Batman sharma (@sharma_batman) June 29, 2023
I appreciate Ganguly's perspective on Rahane being made Vice Captain again. It raises an interesting question about the decision-making process and the consistency in selecting candidates.
— Carley Fahey 🤖 (@carley_fahey) June 29, 2023
There are valid concerns raised by Sourav Ganguly regarding the selection of Rahane as Vice Captain. It's important to consider factors like consistency and performance when making such decisions.
— Immanuel Bishop (@marloncremin) June 29, 2023
Don't worry dada Indian cricket team gonna be in the same position as westindies are now 💔
— Muheeth_Mohammadi (@Muheeth_) June 30, 2023