Follow UsFormer India captain Sourav Ganguly is no stranger to playing in England and succeeding. India’s last series win on English soil came way back in 2007 and Ganguly was very much part of that winning team.
As a former winner, he revealed one secret that could lead to India’s success in the five-match series against England, even without the presence of experienced campaigners like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and R Ashwin.
Advising India captain Shubman Gill, Ganguly, in a quote to Revsportz, said, "Shubman Gill needs to understand not to bowl [Jasprit] Bumrah into the ground. Use him as a wicket-taker, use him in short spells, so that he remains fit for five Test matches.
“Make sure the others [chip in] – young Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, has got tremendous fitness and ability, and is a warhorse. Make sure Bumrah is used as a wicket-taker. He has got to understand that, and I am sure Gautam [Gambhir] is there, and the senior players there will guide him," he added.
The 52-year-old also suggested which of the three matches should be played by Bumrah, if it is only possible to play him in three out of five games, due to medical advice from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
"Hoping Bumrah remains fit for the five Test matches. Even if it means giving him a break after the 2nd Test match, and then getting him back for the 4th and 5th, because a fit Bumrah will be very important," Ganguly said.
"Nothing stops India from winning. There is no one favourite in sports. India, if they work hard and Bumrah stays fit even for four tests, will win this series,” claimed the man who led India in 49 Tests.