Sourav Ganguly names the opening pair India should opt for in South Africa

India’s terrific home season in the Tests came to end after they beat Sri Lanka in the three-Test match series. Indians have dominated every opponent which came their way during the long home season. Team India now gets ready for the all-important tour of South Africa which starts from 5th of January. They will play 3 Tests, 6 ODI, and 3 T20Is during the long tour.

Ranked number 1 in the world, India is struggling with the problems of plenty as far as the opening slot is concerned. Shikhar Dhawan along with Murli Vijay has performed exceptionally well in the opportunities they have got. Vijay scored 2 centuries in back to back games while Dhawan has shown what he can do to the opposition with his aggressive intent and stroke play. KL Rahul had scored 8 half-centuries in as many games in a row but was dropped once Vijay returned.

Earlier the Indian coach Ravi Shastri had said that Dhawan and Vijay will be India’s first choice for the opening pair in South Africa. Seconding his opinion was former India skipper Sourav Ganguly as he while speaking on the sidelines of the Ranji Trophy semi-final said that India should open with the duo.

Ganguly’s remarks on Indian openers

45-year-old Ganguly said that “Shikhar Dhawan has been in such great form and Murali Vijay has also played well against Sri Lanka.” He warned the team that things won’t be easy there at all. As per Ganguly, if India manages to score good totals, their bowlers have the ability to pick up wickets. “India are a good team but it won’t be easy that much I can tell you. If the batsmen put up runs on the board, this attack can get wickets,” he was quoted on TOI.

Dada who had played a very crucial part in India’s first-ever victory in South Africa in 2006-07 series is currently president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). Bengal currently is facing Delhi in Ranji Trophy semi-final in Pune.