Bails and Banter EP 5: Atul Wassan’s expert opinion on Rohit Sharma’s contribution, difference in Sourav Ganguly-Sachin Tendulkar’s captaincy and more

Bails and Banter, presented by OTTplay and powered by Dafa News, had its fifth episode today, May 21, with the guest, former Indian cricketer, Atul Wassan. In today's episode, the expert discussed various topics ranging from Rohit Sharma’s contribution to Indian cricket, Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly’s captaincy and more.

Atul Wassan on Rohit Sharma’s contribution to Indian cricket, how KL Rahul can survive

Rohit Sharma left many surprised by announcing his retirement and Atul Wassan reflects how it was the right time to leave. Despite it being the right time, he believes the method of retiring would be incorrect if he left his team in the middle of a war situation. “I would never do that,” he noted, while still showing huge respect towards Sharma as a captain. “Very few can understand if they need to stay or leave the team (retire). However, the team needs to know your exit play,” he commented, adding, “Rohit Sharma's contribution for Indian cricket is massive. He has achieved everything. If you are associated with his name, you're part of the folklore.”

During the conversation with our hosts, Atul also noted how KL Rahul is a ‘proper player’. “He doesn't require brute strength. He trusts his technique. If he keeps the form, shape and technique, he can play risk shots,” Atul Wassan noted. He also called Ayush Mhatre a ‘quality player’ who needs to prove himself over rely on what he has done in the past.

Watch Atul Wassan talking about Rohit Sharma in Bails and Banter on OTTplay App and YouTube Channel!

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Atul Wassan on the difference in Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar’s captaincy and how new players need to be added to teams

Discussing how 83 World Cup was the ultimate moment for him and recalling how he shared the room with the legendary captain Kapil Dev, Atul Wassan recalled the difference in Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar as captains. He noted how Sourav Ganguly showed his personality and became a better player along with being a captain, while also discussing how it was different with Sachin Tendulkar. With the latter, he grew as a player and expected his team to reach God level.

“You'll not survive if you keep bringing old players,” was Atul Wassan’s opinion ahead of the match. He noted how Indians would follow the culture of observing players for two matches before throwing them out in the past and how the culture has now changed to adapt with Australia’s. Now, he notes, the team members have an opportunity to prove why they were the chosen ones before their future is decided. Atul Wassan is of the opinion that just like Cheteshwar Pujara was trusted to perform (and he delivered), Karun Nair deserves an opportunity too.

Bails and Banter is a cricket show where legends discuss the sport, cricket matches, players, pre-match breakdowns, and more. The segment began on May 17 and will continue till June 3. You can stream it through both OTTplay App and OTTplay YouTube channel!