Former India cricket captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly believes Indian football can only elevate its standard by regularly competing against world-class opposition. Reacting to news of high-profile teams like Brazil, Uruguay, and Panama visiting India, Ganguly welcomed the upcoming fixtures as valuable learning opportunities, but insisted that isolated matches will not create lasting change.
For Indian players to truly bridge the gap with the global elite, Ganguly argues they need sustained, year-round exposure to quality competition.
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“It’s good. Why wouldn’t it be good to play football against big teams? This needs to happen throughout the year so that players get proper exposure. I always believe that playing against teams better than yourself helps improve your own game.”
— Sourav Ganguly
Drawing directly on cricket’s blueprint for success, Ganguly pointed out that Indian cricketers continuously refine their skills precisely because they are forced to adapt against top-tier opponents in all conditions. He noted:
“Look at cricket, they play against top-quality teams all year round, which is why they get better. The same approach needs to be applied here.”
The former national captain expressed hope that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) will work toward embedding higher-caliber fixtures into the national team’s regular schedule. For Ganguly, occasional marquee matches bring excitement, but long-term evolution requires Indian footballers to be repeatedly tested technically, tactically, and physically against the best in the world.
