As captain of the Indian team or president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Sourav Ganguly has always treated Test cricket as the pinnacle format of the game. Therefore, as Team India marched into the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final in England, the charismatic Ganguly gave a thumbs-up to not just the concept of the WTC—which has taken nearly 10 years to take off—but also to the riveting game that unfolded in Southampton despite rains playing spoilsport. In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, Ganguly gave credit to the evolution of both young batsmen and the bowling unit for India’s march to the final. He said that India’s series win in Australia, in the absence of key players, was the biggest highlight for him in the journey to the WTC finals. Excerpts from the interview:
Are you happy with the introduction of the WTC and what are your thoughts on the final being a one-off match?
It is a very good concept for sure. I think Test cricket is the biggest and strongest form of cricket and it should have a final. As far as the one-off Test as a final is concerned, it is the first [edition]. Things will be looked into for the future. The ICC will get feedback from all stakeholders.
Like head coach Ravi Shastri, are you also in favour of a best-of-three final?
It is too early to say. Let this season finish. The ICC will look at a lot of things. At this stage, I would rather wait before saying anything.
What do you make of the finalists? Both teams had different journeys to the final, and some are not happy that New Zealand got there having played fewer matches.
Both India and New Zealand have played well, and that is why they are in the final. As for the qualification criteria, it was based on the percentage of wins. Hopefully, in the next WTC cycle, there will be some tweaks. Last year, due to Covid-19, lots of matches and series were cancelled. Hopefully, the next cycle will take all this into account.
Your thoughts on India’s journey to the WTC final.
I think their [series] win against Australia was the highlight for me. Australia is always a strong team, and beating them in at home was a huge [achievement] by India. With key players missing out, it was huge that their replacements delivered. India has played consistently well and that is why they are in the finals.
Looking at the bowling unit and the youngsters who emerged during this two-year phase, what according to you was key to India’s performance during the WTC?
I think everyone got better as the WTC progressed. The fast bowlers developed very well as a unit, and young batsmen emerged and impressed. We have done well in England so far, although rain took away two days.
What will it take for Team India to remain on top in Test cricket in the coming years?
We can [remain at the top]; we have enough talent to do it. To remain as one of the best teams in Test cricket, you need to do well in every series.
How do you view New Zealand’s evolution as one of the best Test teams in the world?
New Zealand’s performances have been very good. Not just at home, they beat England [away], ahead of the WTC final. They have performed very well throughout the WTC. I think this is the best New Zealand team I have seen in a long while. Their bowling is very attacking and they have fine batsmen like Kane Williamson. Overall, they are a balanced team.
While the attention has been on youngsters in India, the real foundation was laid by experienced seniors to take the team to where it is in the WTC standings. Your comments.
Everyone has contributed in this WTC journey. Ajinkya Rahane has been the highest scorer for India in the WTC. Don’t forget Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma. For Ishant, a fast bowler, to have played 100 Tests, is not a mean achievement. After Kapil Dev, he is the only Indian pace bowler to have done so. There have been worthy contributions from Rohit Sharma, Rahane and skipper Virat Kohli. Ravichandran Ashwin has performed with the ball right through.
What about the role of the National Cricket Academy and Rahul Dravid in creating the bench strength that held India in good stead during the WTC? You must be extremely happy to see it had results.
Oh yes! The role of the NCA in grooming the group of players is very important. Their progress needs to be monitored. A lot of credit goes to Rahul Dravid and the NCA team for creating this bench strength. Also, you must remember, the BCCI has a structure, and the number of matches the players get to play adds to it. [Before] Covid, India A tours, too, would precede the main team’s tours. All this has made a difference.
You are all for the WTC. Do you wish it had been there in your time as a player?
It does not matter, to be honest. Things will keep changing, evolving with time. I really don’t look at it that way.