Kolkata: Former India captain and one of the most successful ones Indian cricket has had, Sourav Ganguly is celebrating his 46th birthday on Sunday. Since making his debut for India as a 20-year-old, Ganguly has given India many memorable and glorious moments. Eventually becoming the leader of the Indian cricket team, the man from Kolkata taught Indian players to match toe-to-toe with the might of world cricket.
Ganguly was the man who brought about a change in the way Indian cricketers played and the way selection processes happened. Not only did Ganguly expanded the scope of selections, his faith on players like Zaheer Khan, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh and of course, MS Dhoni paved way for the Indian cricket team of today.
Ganguly is known for his openness and as one to never shy away from any challenge and that is exactly what he inculcated in the Indian dressing room.
Ganguly made Indians believe that they could match the prowess of the Australians and the English. The aggressiveness and approach he brought in the Indian team since becoming the captain in 2000 is bringing results even today.
He is not regarded as one of the most successful Indian captains for nothing. He lead India to 11 wins from 28 away Tests, one of the highest ever tallies for an Indian captain.
Ganguly, who finished his career with 18,576 runs in 424 internationals, is also regarded as one of the best-ever batsman to have played for India.
The man from Kolkata made his Test debut for India back in 1996 and at the biggest stage of them all, the Lord’s. Against an English attack that had the likes of Chris Lewis and Alan Mullally, Ganguly scored 131 runs to announce himself to the world.
Of course, that is hardly the most memorable moment Ganguly has had at that cricket ground.
A little, jubilant man swerving his jersey over his head celebrating a massive win is perhaps the most played video in India. Sourav Ganguly’s celebration is not only iconic but one that spoke of his passion in ways more than one.
Now that Ganguly has retired, he is a member of Committee of Administrators, a team responsible for selection of Indian coach. But that is not the most influential thing he has done for Indian cricket after his retirement. As the president of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), Ganguly has given a lesson to people about how to handle cricket administration.
Eden Gardens, India’s most iconic cricket ground, has been turned into arguably the best pitch in the country under his watch. Eden is perhaps one of the most balanced pitches in the country at the moment, assisting all of batsmen, quicks and spinners.
Ganguly’s contribution to Indian cricket is invaluable and arguably one that has paved way for everything good about it.
