Ganguly backs Rahane to hit form in SA

Ajinkya Rahane's wretched form will not be a big concern for the South Africa-bound Indian team, feels former captain Sourav Ganguly.

Rahane has scored only 17 runs in five innings against Sri Lanka at home but his record outside sub-continent makes him a vital cog in India's batting line-up.

"No, I don't think Ajinkya Rahane's form is a concern as he is a quality player. Virat Kohli, Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara and Murali Vijay have all been to South Africa. The best thing is that they are going back to South Africa as better players," Ganguly told PTI during an interaction on the sidelines of Ranji Trophy semifinal between Bengal and Delhi.

The former captain is impressed with current bowling attack but wants to wait till he watches them in action.

"We will find out if this is the best bowling attack or not. They have got pace for sure. Umesh has pace, Bhuvneshwar is in good form, so let's wait," he said.

While conditions will determine the playing XI in Cape Town on January 5, Ganguly is not averse to trying out Hardik Pandya at No 6, something a lot of experts are sceptical considering his technique in bouncy conditions is not well documented.

"You will not realise till you give Hardik a chance. Depends on how you want to go about it," said one of India's shrewdest captain.

"Rohit Sharma did well in the two chances that he got. If it's a flat track, may be we should have that extra fast bowler in the XI but if it's a green top, we should definitely have an extra batsman," he opined.

Ganguly, who is the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), picked Shikhar Dhawan as his choice as to partner Murali Vijay in opening.

"Shikhar Dhawan has been in such great form and Murali Vijay has also played well against Sri Lanka," he said.

While India have talent to do well, winning a series will be easier said than done.

"India are a good team but it won't be easy that much I can tell you. If the batsmen put up runs on the board, this attack can get wickets," he concluded.