India need Cheteshwar Pujara and Zaheer Khan in their one-day line up, former captain Sourav Ganguly said yesterday as India began their New Zealand tour with a defeat in Napier.
Criticising Ishant’s selection, Ganguly felt India leaked too many runs even as they had the “world’s best” one-day batsman in Virat Kohli.
“I feel selectors should think about two players – Cheteshwar Pujara and Zaheer Khan. Pujara is the most-needed batsman in these conditions. He has adjusted well in the Test mould and I’m sure he will do well in the ODI format,” Ganguly said.
“Similarly Zaheer is must-needed in the bowling attack. If he can bowl 30 overs in Tests, why can’t he do that for 10 overs?” he asked.
Questioning the selection of the lanky pacer who conceded eight runs per over in the first ODI yesterday, Ganguly quipped
“Ishant Sharma remains to be an enigma to me.”
“He is the seniormost Indian bowler with experience. But he has been inconsistent under pressure as Mohammad Shami has become the backbone of Indian bowling. He’s no doubt the find of Indian cricket as I’ve said earlier,” he said.
Ganguly hoped that Bengal pacer Ashoke Dinda will make a comeback after his Ranji performance this season.
“I hope Dinda will get a chance this year. He is good in his length and line.”