"It will happen to everyone..." - Sourav Ganguly gives 'reality check' on potential 'end of road' for Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara in Tests

The two Test veterans, Ajinkya Rahana and Cheteshwar Pujara were not picked in the squad of Team India for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa in South Africa. Team India is set to tour South Africa for an all-format tour, including 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs, and 2 Tests.

The tour will commence with the first T20I between both teams on Sunday, December 10, at the Kingsmead in Durban. Meanwhile, the former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly came up with a crystal clear statement while giving a reality check on the omission of Rahane and Pujara from the Indian squad for the longest format of the game. 

You cannot be there forever - Sourav Ganguly about Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara

Sourav Ganguly stressed the fact that sports is not something which goes with someone forever and throughout his life. He also feels that it is time for the selectors and the team management to invest in the young cricketing talents.

“At some point in time, you have to play new talents. It happens, there is enormous talent in India and the team has to progress. Pujara and Rahane had enormous success for India, sport doesn't remain with you forever,” said Sourav Ganguly during an event.

“You cannot be there forever; it will happen to everyone. I must thank them for what they have done for Indian cricket and selectors want fresh faces, so that's the way it is,” he added later. 

Notably, Rahane and Pujara have represented India for a long time. Rahane has scored 5077 runs in 85 Tests, averaging 38.46. On the other hand, the star Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara has scored 7195 runs in 103 Tests with a brilliant average of 43.60. It was the World Test Championship 2023 final against Australia when both Rahane and Pujara appeared in this format last time for India. 

A source close to the Indian Cricket Board revealed that the management and selectors are now looking ahead for the new road map in the Tests for India.

“The two slots that Rahane and Pujara had now belong to KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. Also, Gill will bat in the middle order and Yashashvi will get a long rope,” the source was quoted as saying by PTI.