New Delhi, July 24: With the Indian ODI team struggling to find a solid hand in the middle-order, former skipper Sourav Ganguly has once again made it clear that the five wise men of Indian cricket need to give Test deputy Ajinkya Rahane a go. Taking to Twitter, Ganguly wrote that it was important for the selectors - led by M.S.K. Prasad - to pick same players across format and give them a long run just as has been the case with great teams over the years. He also went on to add that the selectors shouldn't try to please everyone. India vs West Indies 2019: Sourav Ganguly Unhappy With Exclusion of Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane in ODI Squad, Wants Selectors to Pick Same Players Across Formats.

"Time has come for indian selectors to pick same players in all formats of the game for rhythm and confidence.. too few are playing in all formats ..great teams had consistent players ..it's not about making all happy but picking the best for the country and be consistent..@bcci There are many in the squad who can play all formats ..surprised not to see Shubman gill ..Rahane in the one day squad.." Yuvraj Singh Trolls Sourav Ganguly After Brian Lara Asks Him the Meaning of ‘Dadagiri’

This is not the first time that Ganguly has backed Rahane to be a part of the ODI team. Last year he had said the same during India's tour of England. "I have no doubt that India needs Rahane in the middle-order in both Tests and ODIs. Being dropped after doing well in the shorter-format could have hurt his confidence. Rahane seems like someone who is a big confidence player and this is where Kohli's role becomes important.

"He needs to put his arms around Rahane's shoulder and give him that boost. In the past generation, most of the top players played both formats for India - Tests and ODIs. If after so many years, the team management still hasn't been able to show him that confidence and faith, then that needs to be worked on immediately," he had said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 24, 2019 02:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).