“He was the best man to lead India,” Sourav Ganguly reveals that Rohit Sharma was RELUCTANT to take captaincy 

Sourav Ganguly revealed that Rohit Sharma wasn't keen on taking Test captaincy after Virat Kohli stepped down.

“He was the best man to lead India,” Sourav Ganguly reveals that Rohit Sharma was RELUCTANT to take captaincy 

Sourav Ganguly forced Rohit Sharma to become the Test captain (Image via ESPN)

Over 2 years ago Rohit Sharma was announced as the new T20I captain for India and after a few months became the full time captain of the Indian team. Under Rohit’s tenure, India are Asia Cup Champions, the number team in all formats according to the ICC Rankings and the favorites to win the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup. All of this wouldn’t have been possible unless Sourav Ganguly forced Rohit to become captain. 

After Virat Kohli stepped down from the T20I Captain post, he was removed as ODI captain as well, with Rohit becoming the white-ball captain. But the BCCI was not prepared for what followed, as Kohli resigned from the Test captain position as well. Ganguly himself said the BCCI were in hot water and were not sure what to do. They then decided to select Rohit as the test captain, even if he didn’t want it. 

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Rohit Sharma wasn't keen. It had gone to a stage where I told him “you'll have to say yes otherwise I'll make the announcement.” Because he is an outstanding captain. And after Virat Kohli left, he was the best man to lead India. I am not surprised by what I am seeing.
Sourav Ganguly told Kolkata TV.

Ganguly also revealed that Rahul Dravid was not keen on becoming the Indian head coach after Ravi Shastri’s contract finished. Realizing the importance of the role, Dravid accepted the new position, leaving his old post of the India-A coach and head of the NCA. 

Sourav Ganguly wants India’s rivals to reach the semi-finals 

Talking to Sports Tak, Sourav Ganguly admitted he wants India’s arch rivals in the semi-finals to face India. He said that the Pakistani team should qualify and that would make it one of the biggest semi-finals of all time. 

Pakistan Cricket Team
The Pakistan Team walks back in sorrow after losing to Afghanistan (Image via ESPN)

After New Zealand’s win over Sri Lanka, they had practically fixed their spot in the first semi-final. Pakistan could still qualify, but the required scenario is next to impossible. The Men in Green need to win by a minimum of 287 runs if they score 300 and above. If England bat first, Pakistan would need to chase down whatever target they have in 2.3 overs.

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