New Delhi: Former captain Sourav Ganguly has come down heavily on the Indian cricket team after it suffered a 0-4 whitewash in the Test series in Australia, demanding sweeping changes in the current set-up.
"If the team keeps losing like this, changes are inevitable," Ganguly said after India today lost the final Test in Adelaide by 298 runs, their eight successive loss away from home.
Ganguly, who is in Australia as a commentator, noted that the confidence of the side has hit rock bottom, but advised not to lose heart.
The former captain noted that there were instances during the series when India could have pounced on the chances, and believed those missed opportunities made a difference.
"If the Indian team had performed better in Melbourne and perhaps have won the match the result of the series could have been different," Ganguly told a private TV channel.
Ganguly also pulled up Dhoni for his captaincy. He demanded that the captain should perform better in order to remain leader of the squad.
"Dhoni will have to raise his game to remain captain of the team. If the captain surrenders, the team often falls apart."
Ganguly had a word of advice for young fast bowler Ishant Sharma.
"Ishant will have to learn the art of picking up wickets."
But he was not as kind in his comment on coach Duncan Fletcher. Ganguly is of the opinion that Fletcher`s stint with the Indian team has been dismal and the former England coach should prove his credibility in the next six months or else BCCI should look for other options.
Ganguly also saw no harm in players travelling with their spouses.
"Traveling without wives may be a bigger distraction!" he said on a lighter note.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, January 28, 2012, 22:50