Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian cricket captain, offers insights on tackling batting dominance in IPL 2024, emphasising the importance of skillful bowling. Sourav Ganguly points to bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel as prime examples, underlining their effectiveness across formats.
Sourav Ganguly, fondly nicknamed “Dada,” was a dominant Indian cricketer and captain. He excelled as a left-handed batsman, amassing over 11,000 runs in ODIs and holding the record for the highest score by an Indian in a World Cup match (183). His aggressive leadership transformed the Indian team into a force to be reckoned with. Ganguly isn’t playing cricket anymore, however, he remains actively involved in the sport. He currently holds the prestigious position of Chairman of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee, shaping the game’s future at the international level.
In IPL 2024, bowlers have faced an uphill battle in a batsman’s paradise, contending with flat pitches and short boundaries that facilitate high-scoring games. Despite these challenges, spinners with diverse variations like Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and rising talent Harpreet Brar have emerged as crucial assets, stifling batsmen in the middle overs.
Additionally, specialists in slower balls like Sandeep Sharma and Matheesha Pathirana have posed scoring difficulties by adeptly varying their pace. Notably, Jasprit Bumrah remains unrivaled in the death overs, consistently hitting yorkers to restrain batsmen in the crucial final stages.
What Sourav Ganguly Said
In a PTI report, Sourav Ganguly advised bowlers to hone new skills to counter the relentless batting exhibition witnessed in the ongoing IPL, citing the example of Mumbai Indians’ standout performer, Jasprit Bumrah.
This year’s IPL has seen the Indian pacer shine brightly, emerging as one of the most dreaded bowlers known for both picking up wickets and keeping the runs tight within his allotted four overs. So far, he has claimed 18 wickets in 12 matches, maintaining an impressive economy rate of just over six runs per over.
The former Indian captain, Saurav Ganguly said,
“The bowlers need to be more skilful, we have some skilful bowlers around, to be more successful. Look at Bumrah, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, all of them bowl superbly in all formats of the game and the IPL,”
Sourav Ganguly proposed that by improving their skills, bowlers can excel in any format of the game. He added,
“I don’t believe in formats. I believe in skills. These are exemplary players who will thrive in all formats.”
Ganguly pointed out that the current IPL showcases batting prowess, reflecting the evolving nature of the game. However, he emphasised the enduring value of elegant batting, especially in the longer format of cricket.
Ganguly commented,
“Not at all. Demands of different formats are different. Everything evolves, and sports are not an exception. You will still see elegance and artistry in Test cricket. Test matches will always be Test matches,”
The former BCCI President wrapped up by emphasising that excellence will always prevail across formats, citing the current holder of the orange cap, Virat Kohli, as a prime example.
He concluded by saying,
“Look, quality players will be successful in all formats of the game. Look at Virat Kohli…the best players will adjust to all formats,”