“Don’t keep chopping and changing till the last minute” Sourav Ganguly gives advice to Indian Team ahead of World Cup 2023.

Indian cricket fans still cherish the indomitable spirit displayed by Sourav Ganguly’s squad during the 2003 ODI World Cup. Despite reaching the finals, they faced defeat at the hands of the formidable Australian team. An outstanding feature of the Indian team from that era was their commitment to a consistent core group of players leading up to the marquee tournament. Emerging talents such as Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, and Mohammad Kaif were not only given ample opportunities but also unwavering support.

Ganguly astutely observed that the present-day Indian team tends to tinker with its lineup more frequently than necessary. He emphasized the paramount importance of adhering to a stable combination prior to significant tournaments. He underscored this point by citing the example of the 2003 World Cup team he captained, as well as Australia, which dominated global cricket during the early 2000s by relying on a consistent squad. Echoing this sentiment, the former BCCI president advised India to persist with the current group of players participating in the ongoing Asia Cup for the upcoming World Cup, thus establishing a steadfast team composition.

Ganguly on Revsportz said “We had a settled combination. That’s the most important thing. We were a very good team by then and had started winning. We were on song. We had some fantastic players. That’s why I keep saying don’t chop and change ahead of a major tournament. Have a set of players together for 1 year and let them win or lose and get ready as a team.”

“Australia did not chop and change for years between 1999-2003 and that’s why they were so good. For that one year in 2003, we had won everything. We won in the West Indies, won the Natwest and except for the blip against New Zealand on those pitches, we won it all. We went to South Africa as a very good team. That’s why it is important that we have our 14 by the Asia Cup, the same 14-15 that will play the World Cup. It is key you know your combination and don’t keep chopping and changing till the last minute,” the former captain added.