Sourav Ganguly has urged India to capitalise fully on their strong position in the ongoing first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, cautioning that missed chances — with both bat and ball — could allow England back into the contest.
Speaking after India were dismissed for 471 in their first innings, Ganguly expressed disappointment that the team failed to push towards a 600-run total despite a record 209-run stand between Shubman Gill (147) and Rishabh Pant (134). “India must win this. They won't get this opportunity again,” he told PTI, pointing out that the unusually dry Leeds pitch was conducive to batting and would later deteriorate. According to Ganguly, a total close to 600 would’ve virtually batted England out of the game and given India’s bowlers ample cushion.
He was also critical of the decision to leave out Arshdeep Singh, who, in his view, could have added variety with his left-arm pace, especially since England’s attack lacked angles and penetration barring spells from Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue. “I would have played Arsh… Because of a different angle. But it's okay. They're good,” Ganguly said, acknowledging that India still had a strong side even without Arshdeep or Kuldeep Yadav, the other notable omission.
In the field, India’s bowlers created chances but were let down by poor catching. Jasprit Bumrah, who dismissed both England openers, had Ollie Pope dropped by Yashasvi Jaiswal at slip when he was on 60. Pope and Duckett went on to build a significant 124-run stand that put England firmly back in the match. Bumrah had earlier created another opportunity when Duckett offered a chance at point, which Jadeja put down when the batter was on 15.
Ganguly also criticized England's bowling for lacking discipline, particularly in length. “They bowl too short, actually. Halfway through yesterday, they were bowling only short to Shubman Gill,” he said, adding that while it helped India dominate, the English attack would likely adapt in the remainder of the series.
As the game heads into Day 3, England’s batters, led by Pope and Duckett, are building momentum to erase the first-innings deficit. Ganguly’s words now serve as a warning — India may have controlled the early narrative, but lapses in execution could yet make this Test a missed opportunity.
