Indian team needs some fresh heads: Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly

With the series level at 1-1, injury concerns to Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the technically limited Shikhar Dhawan adding to the visitors troubles, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has said that fast bowler Varun Aaron and opener Gautam Gambhir should be included in the Indian team for the fourth Test against England, starting on August 7 at Old Trafford.

On why he thinks Aaron, the injury-prone Jharkhand pacer who has so far played 9 internationals (8 ODIs and 1 Test), can have an impact in the next Test, Ganguly, who is employed as a commentator by Star Sports India for the high-profile series, said, "Manchester track is the fastest wicket in England. I think Varun Aaron should get a look-in.”

When asked about Gambhir, who last represented India back in January 2013, replacing Dhawan as an opener, the 42-year-old said: “India need some fresh heads at this stage. I am not saying Gambhir would succeed but we need some fresh ideas. At this stage, it is anyone’s series.”

Ganguly, who is back in India now to assume office as the Cricket Association of Bengal joint-secretary, rubbished the theory that too much of cricket is taking a toll on pacer Mohammed Shami, who has had a terrible tour so far, saying, “If he won’t play cricket at this age then when would he?"