Brief intro about dada:
Sourav Ganguly was born on 8 July 1972 in Kolkatta and is the youngest son of Chandidas and Nirupa Ganguly. Chandidas was one of the thriving richest men in the city.
Legend of Sourav Ganguly:
“In 2003 he created history here, on his next visit to the Adelaide Oval, the man is desperately striving not to slide into history. This is the story of Sourav Ganguly – of a general being stripped of his stripes.”-The Indian Express
A pure cricketing legend who always had his own luck- in attracting his critics. Probably, the only batsmen who often did silence even the legendary Sachin’s innings at the other end almost consistently.
During his era, he would often promote himself to the final list of contenders for being the
“Best Batsmen”….. But… his so called weakness to the short delivery constantly kept him from winning the title. Weakness?? Really?? Or is it just a reason? I wonder whether true at all- for a batsman who faced a “new white ball” and had 11000 plus ODI runs!! Wisden(longest running sports annual in history) ranked him the sixth greatest one day international batsman of all time.
“Best Batsmen”….. But… his so called weakness to the short delivery constantly kept him from winning the title. Weakness?? Really?? Or is it just a reason? I wonder whether true at all- for a batsman who faced a “new white ball” and had 11000 plus ODI runs!! Wisden(longest running sports annual in history) ranked him the sixth greatest one day international batsman of all time.
In fact, world cricket is yet to produce a batsman who would be comfortable facing a delivery that is short of a length, bowled at a good pace, then how could we possibly expect one individual to be an exception? Is it really a flaw in his ability or a mere pompous extension of his criticism which has always been a part and parcel of his career?
On the OFF:
One cannot deny the fact that however strong the off-side field could be, this elegant left- hander could penetrate the setting with ease!! His immutable ability on the off-side was so much impeccable – even his critics agreed that he was the “Best player on the off-side of all time!!”
This is a famous quote from another legend who played alongside our dada (as we call him in India) ………
“On the OFF-SIDE, first it is God and then it is Ganguly”– Rahul Dravid
Moreover, Sourav has always been a nightmare to spinners. Especially, left-handed spinners.
Controversial release:
This was a controversial release in a Bengali journal just before his retirement….
“I was tired of being humiliated again and again. I don’t want to play cricket at the mercy of others. If there is a gun to your head all the time, how long can you bear this? T P Singh was my replacement… where is he now? There are players in the side who have changed their hairstyle more often than they have scored runs. Had this selection committee been there three years before, things would have been different”
-Agonized Sourav Ganguly
Tribute:
“Good bye Sourav… You will never retire from our hearts”-A spectator at Feroz Shah Kotla(2/11/2008)
This is not just the voice of a spectator but of the entire nation…. Indian cricket would always miss you…you are truly “a legend”…..
