Bails and Banter EP 5: Atul Wassan opens up on leadership legacies of Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit's elegance, and more

In the fifth episode of Bails and Banter, presented by OTTplay and powered by Dafa News, viewers were treated to an insightful and engaging conversation with former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan. The episode, aired on May 21, offered a captivating blend of nostalgia, expert opinions, and commentary on the current state of Indian cricket.

Hosted with the usual mix of humour and hard-hitting questions, the show continues to gain popularity as a platform where cricket legends open up about the past, present, and future of the game. With Wassan as the guest, the discussion turned both reflective and forward-looking.

Atul Wassan explains Rohit Sharma's batting legacy beyond the numbers

One of the highlights of the episode was Atul Wassan’s take on Rohit Sharma’s retirement. With Sharma having recently stepped away from the game, Wassan acknowledged the timing as appropriate but questioned the method. “I would never leave my team in the middle of a war,” Wassan remarked, emphasising that while retirement is a personal decision, communication with the team is essential.

Still, he didn’t shy away from showering praise on the veteran batter. “Rohit’s contribution to Indian cricket is massive. If you’re associated with his name, you’re part of the folklore,” Wassan said, underlining Sharma’s impact on and off the pitch.

Wassan also shared his admiration for KL Rahul, describing him as a “proper player” who doesn’t rely on brute strength. “He trusts his technique, and if he maintains form and shape, he can even take calculated risks,” Wassan noted. It was a nod to the evolving dynamics of modern batting, where finesse often trumps force.

Emerging talent Ayush Mhatre was also in the spotlight. Wassan sees potential in the youngster but stressed the need for him to deliver consistently, rather than lean on early achievements. “He’s a quality player, but potential must translate into performance,” he stated.

Atul Wassan talks about the leadership stincts of Ganguly and Tendulkar

When it came to comparing cricket captains, Wassan reflected on his own experiences, even recalling the honour of sharing a room with the great Kapil Dev during the 1983 World Cup – a moment he called his personal highlight.

In dissecting leadership styles, he pointed out key differences between Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar. Ganguly, he said, showcased his personality as a leader and improved his own game in the process. Tendulkar, on the other hand, set divine expectations for his teammates while striving for excellence himself. “Sachin grew as a player and expected others to reach his level – almost godlike,” he noted.

Bails and Banter continues to be a must-watch for cricket fans, especially those eager for expert analysis delivered with a personal touch. With each episode, it deepens its roots in cricket discourse while offering fresh perspectives from those who’ve lived the game.

The series, which launched on May 17, runs until June 3. Episodes are available on the OTTplay app and YouTube channel, making them accessible to fans across platforms.