NEW DELHI: India's cricketing prowess and confidence were on full display as they secured a resounding victory over England in the third Test of the series, setting the stage for a thrilling match in Ranchi.
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly showered praise on the team's depth and assertiveness, highlighting the remarkable performances of emerging talents amidst the absence of key players.
"India were so confident that they allowed Ravichandran Ashwin to go back home in the middle of a Test," remarked Ganguly, emphasizing the team's self-assurance and unity.
Despite the absence of stalwarts like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, India showcased their resilience, with debutants Sarfaraz Khan and Dhurv Jurel earning plaudits for their stellar contributions.
Ganguly's admiration extended to the explosive batting display of Sarfaraz and the solid wicket-keeping skills of Jurel, emphasizing their crucial roles in India's victory.
"Jurel helped Ravindra Jadeja complete the run-out dismissal of Tom Hartley," Ganguly remarked, highlighting Jurel's contribution behind the stumps.
The cricketing legend also lauded Yashasvi Jaiswal's exceptional double century, stating, "Jaiswal is not only a good player, he’s capable of playing in all formats of the game." Ganguly highlighted Jaiswal's potential as a future star for India.
1/10:Team India's biggest Test victories by runs
PTI
2/10:India vs England
<p>India defeated England by 434 runs in the third Test to register their biggest-ever Test win (by runs) in Rajkot on Sunday. <br /></p>AFP
3/10:India vs New Zealand
<p>India outclassed New Zealand by 372 runs in the second Test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in December 2021. </p>
4/10:India vs South Africa
<p>India defeated South Africa by 337 runs in the fourth Test on the final day in New Delhi in December 2015. </p>
5/10:India vs New Zealand
<p>India taught New Zealand a tough lesson in the third Test at Indore with a 321-run hammering in a 3-0 whitewash in October 2016 and became the No. 1 Test team. </p>
6/10:India vs Australia
<p>Skipper MS Dhoni led from the front in India's hammering of Australia in the 2nd Test at Mohali by 320 runs in 2008. </p>TNN
7/10:India vs West Indies
<p>India defeated West Indies by 318 runs in the 1st Test at North Sound in August 2019. </p>Getty Images
8/10:India vs England
<p>India beat England by 317 runs in the 2nd Test in Chennai in February 2021 to level the series 1-1. </p>
9/10:India vs Sri Lanka
<p>India thrashed Sri Lanka by 304 runs in the 1st Test at Galle in July 2017. </p>Getty Images
10/10:England's biggest defeat
<p>England's biggest loss (by runs) was the 562-run defeat against Australia at The Oval in 1934. </p>Reuters'Bazball is good, but…'
The defeat in Rajkot left England reeling, with their aggressive Bazball approach facing scrutiny after suffering their biggest defeat in terms of runs since 1934.
"Bazball is good, but it’s difficult for England to be successful in Indian conditions. I will be surprised if India lose the series. Please remember that India are playing without Virat [Kohli], KL [Rahul]. It's a young team with many new faces, and yet, England are struggling," Ganguly pointed out, expressing confidence in India's ability to dominate the series.
The historic milestone of 500 Test wickets by veteran spinner Ashwin added to India's triumph in Rajkot. However, Ashwin's unexpected departure mid-Test to attend to his ailing mother underscored the team's values of prioritizing family commitments amidst their on-field success.
