Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has thrown his support behind Rohit Sharma ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, despite the latter’s recent struggles in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ganguly, known for his astute cricketing acumen, expressed confidence in Sharma’s ability to perform on the big stage, labeling him as a “big tournament player”. Addressing concerns over Sharma’s form, Ganguly reassured fans that the Mumbai Indians skipper’s lackluster IPL performances should not be a cause for worry. Instead, Ganguly highlighted Sharma’s track record of excelling in major tournaments, suggesting that he is primed to deliver when it matters most.
As Sharma prepares to lead India in the T20 World Cup, Ganguly advocated for a strong opening partnership between Sharma and Virat Kohli. Kohli, who has been in sensational form during the IPL 2024 season, has been instrumental in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s resurgence, adopting a more aggressive approach with a higher strike rate. Ganguly’s endorsement of Sharma comes at a crucial juncture, with the T20 World Cup set to commence on June 1 in the United States of America and the West Indies. Despite Sharma’s modest IPL statistics this season, including 349 runs in 13 innings at an average of 29.08, Ganguly remains optimistic about his ability to rise to the occasion.
Acknowledging Kohli’s resurgence and his pivotal role in RCB’s turnaround in the IPL, Ganguly emphasized the importance of Kohli’s aggressive batting style and expressed hope for a strong finish in RCB’s final group-stage game against CSK.In the context of Sharma’s recent struggles against spinners, Ganguly’s endorsement serves as a morale booster for the Indian team, instilling confidence in Sharma’s ability to overcome challenges and lead the team to success in the T20 World Cup.
With India boasting a formidable lineup and Sharma’s proven track record in major tournaments, Ganguly’s faith in Sharma’s ability to perform under pressure reflects the sentiment shared by many cricket enthusiasts across the country. As the countdown to the T20 World Cup begins, all eyes will be on Sharma and his quest to replicate his past successes on the global stage.