‘As far as red ball is concerned…’ - Former India skipper’s bold prediction for England vs India Test series

India and England are set to take on each other in the high-octane five-match Test series, starting from June 20. The young Indian team will be led by the young batter Shubman Gill. It will be the first assignment for Gill as the full-time skipper for the Indian Test team. It is going to be a big challenge for India, considering its transition phase.

Meanwhile, the former India skipper Sourav Ganguly came up with a bold and stunning prediction while speaking about the possible result of the five-match series. In the last Test series against England in India, the Rohit Sharma-led side defeated the Englishmen by a big margin of 4-1 in the five-match series.

Ganguly predicted England as the potential favourites of this highly anticipated five-match Test series, while considering it as a big challenge for the young Indian side.

“I consider England favorites, but then I don’t believe in favorites. If India bat well, they have a chance,” said Ganguly to RevSportz.

“Yeah, didn’t have a great one in Australia, won the Champions Trophy. As far as the red ball is concerned, yes, it is a big series for him,” he added later.

Make sure Bumrah is used as a wicket-taker – Sourav Ganguly

Furthermore, the former skipper also spoke about how to utilise the star pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in this all-important Test series against England.

“Hoping Bumrah remains fit for five Test matches. Even if it means giving him a break after the 2nd Test match, and then getting him back for the 4th and 5th, because a fit Bumrah will be very important. Also, Shubman Gill needs to understand not to bowl Bumrah into the ground. Use him as a wicket-taker, use him in short spells, so that he remains fit for five Test matches. Make sure Bumrah is used as a wicket-taker,” he said.

“You’ve got to look out for him and not make him bowl more than 12-13 overs. I believe four fast bowlers are important. Here, others will have to be the warhorses like Siraj, Arshdeep. Not sure about a Nitish or a Shardul Thakur. Maybe they can get some runs with the bat, but I think India need to back the seven batters and then back the bowlers, because we need 20 wickets to win Test matches,” he added later.