Early Life and Formative Years (1972 – 1992)
Saurav Ganguly, one of the most iconic cricketers of his time, was born on July 8, 1972, in Behala, Calcutta, India. Born into one of the wealthiest families in the city, cricket was not a far-fetched dream for the young Ganguly. His father, Chandidas Ganguly, ran a flourishing print business, and his elder brother, Snehasish, was a former state-level cricketer.
Ganguly’s cricketing journey began at an early age. His brother’s influence and his passion for the game led him to join a cricket academy, where he honed his skills. Ganguly was primarily a right-handed batsman and bowler but switched to becoming a left-handed batsman to use his brother’s cricket gear.
His talent was quickly recognized, and he made his Ranji Trophy debut for Bengal in the 1989-90 season. Despite his promising start, his career suffered a setback when he was dropped from the Indian team due to allegations of indiscipline during the 1991-92 Australia tour.
Emergence as a Star (1996 – 2000)
Ganguly’s real breakthrough came in 1996 when he was recalled to the Indian team for the England tour. In his debut Test at Lord’s, Ganguly scored a brilliant century, becoming only the third player to achieve this feat. He followed it up with another century in the next Test, firmly establishing himself in the team.
In the subsequent years, Ganguly became a vital cog in the Indian team. He formed a formidable partnership with Sachin Tendulkar at the top of the order in ODIs, which is regarded as one of the best opening pairs in cricket history. Ganguly was a prolific run-scorer and was particularly famous for his off-side play, earning him the nickname “God of the Off Side.”
Leadership Era and Controversies (2000 – 2005)
In 2000, following the match-fixing scandal that rocked Indian cricket, Ganguly was named the captain of the Indian team. This was a turbulent time for Indian cricket, but Ganguly’s aggressive leadership brought about a new era of success.
Under his captaincy, India won the NatWest Series in 2002, where he famously took off his shirt at the Lord’s balcony, marking a new aggressive approach in Indian cricket. In 2003, he led India to the World Cup final, and in 2004, he captained the team to its first Test series win on Pakistani soil.
However, Ganguly’s tenure as captain was also marred by several controversies. His public fallout with coach Greg Chappell, who alleged that Ganguly was unfit and had attitude issues, was widely reported in the media. Ganguly was subsequently dropped from the team, and this was a low point in his career.
Comeback and Retirement (2006 – 2008)
Despite the odds, Ganguly made a remarkable comeback to the Indian team in late 2006. He scored heavily in both home and away series, reaffirming his class and determination. However, he announced his retirement from international cricket in 2008 after a home Test series against Australia. He finished his Test career with 7,212 runs and his ODI career with 11,363 runs.
Post-Retirement and Administration Career (2008 – Present)
After retirement, Ganguly continued to contribute to cricket in various roles. He served as a commentator, columnist, and TV show host. He also played and captained the Kolkata Knight Riders and Pune Warriors in the Indian Premier League.
In 2019, Ganguly took over as the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), one of the most influential positions in world cricket. His tenure has been marked by significant decisions, including hosting the first-ever Day/Night Test in India.
Personal Life
Ganguly is married to Dona Ganguly, a renowned Odissi dancer. They have a daughter named Sana. Despite their families’ initial opposition due to a longstanding feud, the couple’s marriage was eventually accepted by both families.
Legacy
Ganguly’s legacy is not just about his statistics but his indomitable spirit and leadership. His aggression and never-say-die attitude revolutionized Indian cricket. Known as “Dada,” a term for elder brother in Bengali, Ganguly will always be remembered as the captain who instilled self-belief in the Indian team.
From his debut at Lord’s to his leadership era and his comeback, Saurav Ganguly’s journey was anything but ordinary. He faced numerous ups and downs, controversies, and setbacks, but each time he returned stronger. His contribution to Indian cricket extends beyond his playing days, and as the BCCI president, he continues to shape the future of Indian cricket. His life and career are a testament to his resilience and a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers around the world.
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