India Need Fresh Ideas, Must Bring in Gautam Gambhir: Sourav Ganguly

After a historic win at Lord's, Team India crumbled to an embarrassing 266-run defeat against England at Southampton on Thursday. Led by Moeen Ali's spin, England managed to bowl India out for a measly 178 in the second innings. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly feels the batting line-up needs a fresher perspective and veteran Gautam Gambhir must be included in the playing XI ahead of the fourth Test starting August 7. (Highlights of final day's play at Southampton)

Indian batsmen has their backs to the wall on the final day with 333 needed and only six wickets remaining. While a win was extremely improbable, a draw became impossible in the first session itself with Moeen delivering repeated blows. "If a spinner claims six wickets in overseas conditions, it is very disappointing," said Ganguly after the match. "The team needs fresher ideas at the top (and) Gambhir must be brought in. Dhawan needs to be rested." (No Ishant for 4th Test either)

While Moeen has now taken more Test wickets against India outside Asia (15) than any other spinner since 1980, Dhawan's form has been the exact opposite. The opener has scored 122 runs from his six innings on the tour so far which is just a shade better than Virat Kohli's 101 from as many innings. Ganguly though is not too perturbed by Kohli's patchy form. "I am not too worried about Kohli but I am concerned about Shikhar."

India's batting is a major source of concern after the Southampton defeat, but Ganguly said the visitors need to look into the bowling department as well. "Umesh Yadav should have been on this tour to England. Varun Aaron has no experience of playing here (but) he needs to be given a chance. A bit more pace and you never know," he said.

The series may be level at 1-1 now but the former India skipper said he is sure India will bounce back harder from the defeat at the Rose Bowl. "The England team is vulnerable. India can beat them at Manchester."