World Cup 2019: Ganguly feels Vijay Shankar's bowling skills could benefit India

Sourav Ganguly has backed the Shankar to do well in the upcoming World Cup, saying his bowling would come in handy in the English conditions

There has been debate over Vijay Shankar being picked in the England-bound India team ahead of Ambati Rayudu, with the selectors saying they went for the ‘three-dimensional skills’ offered by the Tamil Nadu player. However, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has backed the Shankar to do well in the upcoming World Cup, saying his bowling would come in handy in the English conditions. “Vijay Shankar will do well. He is a good young cricketer. His bowling will come handy. Let's not be too negative about him. He has got a place because he has played in Australia and New Zealand and done well,” Ganguly said. Asked if India could go all the way with three front-line pacemen, Ganguly said that's the way the team wants to play with an all-rounder at number 7. “Pandya is the first choice. If he gets injured, then (Ravindra) Jadeja. That allows them to play three fast bowlers. If anybody gets injured it is just a 10-hour flight,” he added. On the 50-overs World Cup, Ganguly said this edition could be very competitive due to the format, where all teams play each other in the league stage. “This format was last tried in 1992 when everyone played everyone. In the past, we felt there were one or two weak ones. This time it is not so. West Indies is strong, Australia is back to where they were, New Zealand is strong, India is strong. And Pakistan played very well in England,” he added. The Delhi Capitals advisor credited the players for the way they have performed and sealing a spot in the playoffs. “I think everybody has played well, that's why you get there. Shikhar has been outstanding. Rishabh Pant whenever he has got away from Delhi on good pitches, he has been exceptional with the bat,” said Ganguly. As far as DC’s position is concerned, they knocked out Royal Challengers Bangalore in their previous encounter to book their play-off berth. At the same time, they dethroned defending champions, Chennai Super Kings to grab the top spot.