Former India captain Sourav Ganguly was a great leader. During his tenure as captain of the Indian team, from 2000 to 2005, Ganguly brought in new faces, gave them opportunities, and helped shape those young players into some of India’s most prolific match-winners. Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan, and MS Dhoni made their debuts under Ganguly, while Harbhajan Singh and Virender Sehwag reached their full potential under Dada. Ganguly even sacrificed his opening slot in ODIs for Sehwag, batting at 3 or 4.
During his reign, Ganguly produced champion after champion. However, while some went on to become successful cricketers for their country, others faded. Laxmi Ratan Shukla, a Bengal veteran, is one of those who could be considered unlucky not to have had a longer run with Team India. Shukla, a fast-bowling all-rounder, could have been a great fit for the Indian team in the 2000s, but he only got three ODIs in 1999. Shukla played for Bengal under Ganguly and was open about his admiration for the former India captain.
“I don’t believe in role models, but I’m a huge fan of Dadi (Sourav Ganguly). He is the most organized person I’ve ever seen. We never had long team meetings when I played under Dada’s captaincy. His instructions were all straightforward and simple. I’m attempting to incorporate that philosophy into my coaching “Shukla explained to SportsKeeda.
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Shukla, who retired from all forms of cricket in 2005, entered politics by joining the Trinamool Congress. He resigned as West Bengal’s Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports last year and was recently named Bengal’s head coach for the 2022-23 season. Shukla reflected on his time playing under Ganguly and how he plans to use it to help Bengal move forward.
“I talk to Dada quite frequently. He wanted me to be the team’s leader. I’m hoping to keep playing the way I used to “Shukla continued.
Shukla, who takes over for Arun Lal, stated last month, “I enjoy taking on new challenges.” All of Bengal’s previous coaches did an outstanding job for the team. We’ve come close to winning trophies in the past, but we’ll have to work even harder this season to reach the top.
“My motto is that anyone can and anything is possible.” I want everyone to have faith in themselves. We’ll have to master the art of remaining calm in stressful situations. All players who have advanced to this level are capable. We’re starting a new year and a new season, and we’re hoping for the best.”
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