Sourav Ganguly, fondly known as "Dada," is India's best cricketer and captain. His courageous captaincy and game-changing style revolutionized Indian cricket and made it competitive internationally. From being derailed early in his career to becoming a cricket legend and later a leading administrator, Ganguly's life is an epitome of determination and resilience.
Early Life and Family
Sourav Chandidas Ganguly was born on 8 July 1972, in Kolkata, West Bengal, into a prosperous business family.His father, Chandidas Ganguly, was among the richest men of the city, and Sourav had a pampered upbringing. He was originally more interested in football, which is a big sport in the culture of Bengal. His older brother, Snehasish Ganguly, though a former cricketer himself, was responsible for shaping his passion for the game of cricket. Though his mother was initially against his choosing the sport, Ganguly pursued it and practiced hard, becoming a promising young player before long.
Education
Ganguly went to St. Xavier's Collegiate School in Kolkata, where he pursued academics and sports in balance.Having achieved his potential, his family sponsored all the facilities, including a personal coach and a cricket kit, for him. His technical skills and leadership qualities were noticed at an early age in school, setting the stage for his glorious career.
Playing Career
1990–96: Career Start and Debut Success
Ganguly played his first-class cricket for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy during the 1989-90 season. He was rewarded with a place in the Indian team during the 1992 tour of Australia due to his consistent performances, but was dropped after playing a single ODI. He again switched to domestic cricket and spent time in working on his technique and temperament, and was later rewarded with a recall for the Indian tour of England in 1996.
Ganguly's Test debut at Lord's in June 1996 was simply spectacular, where he made a century (131) in his first Test, and then another hundred in his second Test. This solidified his position in the Indian batting order and announced the coming of a future skipper.
1997–99: Marriage, Opening in ODIs, and World Cup '99
Ganguly wed Dona Roy, his childhood sweetheart, in 1997, after their families initially opposed the marriage. In the same year, he established himself as a regular ODI opener with Sachin Tendulkar. Together, they formed one of the greatest opening pairs in the history of cricket. Ganguly's 1999 World Cup was memorable, with a vintage 183-run knock against Sri Lanka that showed his aggressive style of batting.
2000–05: Captaincy and the Emergence of Team India
After the match-fixing controversy in Indian cricket in 2000, Ganguly was made captain. With him at the helm, Indian cricket changed. He gave confidence to young cricketers such as Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Virender Sehwag and formed a powerful team.
There were record-breaking triumphs during his reign, which included:
•India's come-from-behind win over Australia in the 2001 Test series.
•NatWest Trophy victory in 2002, when Ganguly famously took off his shirt at Lord's.
•Leading India to the 2003 ICC World Cup final, where they finished runners-up to Australia.
Ganguly's aggressive style of leadership and belief in himself encouraged a new generation of Indian players, making the team one to be feared.
2006–07: Return and Dispute with Greg Chappell
In 2005, Ganguly's form tapered off, resulting in a tumultuous spat with then-coach Greg Chappell. He was left out of the team, which resulted in huge protests in Kolkata. Nevertheless, Ganguly staged a powerful comeback in 2006, making runs in South Africa and again settling back in the team. His grit stunned critics, showing that he still had much to offer.
2008–12: Retirement and IPL Stint
Ganguly revealed his retirement from international cricket in 2008 following the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. He shifted to the Indian Premier League (IPL) and served as captain of Kolkata Knight Riders before playing for Pune Warriors.Even though his IPL career was not as big as his international one, he was still a favorite among the crowd.
Post-Retirement and Administration Career (2013–Present)
After retirement, Ganguly was involved in commentary and administration of cricket. In 2015, he was voted into office as President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). His biggest administrative task came in 2019 when he was appointed as President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). India successfully hosted the pink-ball Test under his president-ship and braved adversity like the COVID-19 pandemic affecting cricket schedules.
Playing Style and Legacy
Ganguly was renowned for his cover drives of beauty and ability to demoralize fast bowlers. A left-hander, he was particularly adept at handling seamers, scoring forceful cricket abroad. Aside from his batting, his captaincy defined him, as he transformed India into a fighting, attacking team.
His legacy exceeds figures—Ganguly established the platform on which India's golden era began, with prospective captains MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli emerging in his shadow.
Records and Achievements
• Highest ODI runs by an Indian left-hander (11,363 runs).
• One of four players to have attained 10,000+ runs, 100 wickets, and 100 catches in ODIs.
• Second Indian to have scored 10,000 runs in ODIs after Sachin Tendulkar.
• Most successful Indian Test captain at the time of his retirement (21 Test wins).
• Took India to its first Test series victory in Pakistan (2004).
• Only cricketer to win four consecutive Man of the Match awards in ODIs (1997).
Captaincy Record
Under Ganguly’s leadership, India:
• Won the NatWest Trophy (2002) and reached the 2003 World Cup final.
• Drew a historic Test series in Australia (2003-04).
•Beated Pakistan in a Test series on their home ground (2004).
Ganguly's leadership as a captain helped to mold the new age Indian cricket, and he inspired young players with a winning attitude.
Conclusion
Sourav Ganguly's evolution from a promising young batsman to a well-respected captain and administrator is one of grit and determination.His audacious captaincy transformed Indian cricket permanently, boosting the confidence and aggression of a side that earlier lacked overseas prowess. Whether he did it with his memorable victory leaps, strategy on the pitch, or commitment off it, Ganguly's legacy stands uncontested. Even in retirement, he still actively contributes to Indian cricket, which makes sure his own legacy shall last forever for all to witness.
