Gaji
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly says it is not "not possible" to save the SCG Test but for that to happen, Indian batsmen need to bat out of their skins.
India have already approved a mammoth 291-run lead and three days' play is still left in the match, where a victory will hand Australia an unquestionable 2-0 lead.
Ganguly sought to remind India the excellent win against the same opponents at Kolkata in 2001, where India came up successful against all odds.
"I don't believe in the word 'impossible' in sport after what India did to Australia at Eden Gardens in 2001. We follow on 274 runs at the back but came back to win the match by 171 runs, thanks mainly to VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid's pains with the bat and Harbhajan Singh's bowling on the final day.
"But can such a extraordinary feat be recurring? To get even close to something like that - or indeed simply save this match, the Indian batsmen will have to bat out of their skins when they get their chance," Ganguly said.
The former India skipper said what harm India the most was an off-colour Zaheer Khan.
"The first session was so significant for India. It was not only a match-changing, but potentially a series-deciding, session. India were below par, mostly because because senior bowler Zaheer Khan look a little off his rhythm in his first spell. He is so significant to this Indian bowling unit, the team's fortune change with his form and he was off his game," Ganguly added.
Ganguly also question Mahendra Singh Dhoni's decision to bring in part-time spinner Virender Sehwag early into the attack.
"The introduction of Virender Sehwag in the 20th over with the second new ball was mysterious to everybody. This was India's best chance to pick up wickets and get back into the game, particularly as there was so much time left."
Ganguly was all praise for Michael Clarke for most important the Australian side in a terrific manner. Clarke hit his career's first double century to put his side in a commanding position.
"The skipper at the start of the series said that the time had come for each of his batters to stand up, and what an example he has set.
"Clarke has been a fine leader. From the start of the series he came across as a man capable of behavior the senior players. His handling of Ponting and Mike Hussey when the entire media and past players were gunning for their heads is an example to all. And they have delivered for him in this series," he wrote in his column for Sydney Morning Herald.
Ganguly also said that Ponting's outstanding form with a century is not what India need.
"Ponting is a class act and he will be reassured. It was written all over his face. There is nothing more pleasing for a batsman than when he performs under pressure - no matter who he is.
"His footwork has gone from side to side a massive change. I was amazed when watching him on TV in the Hobart Test from my drawing room in Kolkata. He batted well in Melbourne, but looked so certain at the SCG. He has grown in confidence and that is not good news for India," he stated.
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