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In addition to being a legendary player, Dada, also known as Sourav Ganguly, was a leader who changed Indian cricket. He continues to impress with his bold leadership, deft left-handed batting, and sharp cricketing intelligence. Let us review five of his judgments that had an ongoing effect on the sport during his time as BCCI president and captain, as we commemorate his birthday today.
Sourav Ganguly Promoting Laxman in Kolkata:
The Birth of a Legend (2001) – The 2001 Kolkata Test against Australia was a turning point. After a catastrophic first innings, India required a miracle to continue. VVS Laxman was boldly promoted to No. 3 by Sourav Ganguly. This masterstroke led to Laxman’s epic 281 a knock that scripted India’s historic win and instilled a belief that they could conquer anywhere.
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Backing Young Blood:
Sehwag, Yuvraj, Harbhajan Take Flight (Early 2000s) – In the aftermath of the match-fixing scandal, Indian cricket craved a fresh start. Sourav Ganguly known for his backing of youngsters identified raw talent like Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh. He nurtured their aggression and unorthodoxy building the core of a team that dominated world cricket for a decade.
Also Read: 10 Most Iconic Moments From Team India’s T20 World Cup 2024 Victory Celebration
Dravid Donning the Gloves:
It had long been a problem for India to find a consistent wicketkeeper. Ganguly’s innovative solution? He convinced the dependable Rahul Dravid to take the gloves. Dravid was hesitant at first, but he flourished when India was able to play an extra batsman—a tactical change that greatly aided their success.
Leading from the Front:
The Triumph of the NatWest Trophy (2002) It appeared unlikely to chase a massive 326 at Lord’s, the cricket Mecca. Still, Saurav Ganguly set the standard with a solid 62. His unwavering conviction in his squad and his aggressive intent inspired a battling spirit that resulted in a stunning victory that will go down in cricket history.
Pink Revolution:
Ushering in a New Era of Test Cricket (2019) – Day-night Tests were promoted in India by BCCI President Sourav Ganguly. Leading the historic pink-ball Test match against Bangladesh, he brought the longest format back to life and drew an unprecedented crowd. This decision not only boosted fan engagement but also opened doors for India to become a leader in promoting innovative cricket.
These are only a few of Ganguly’s multiple important choices. Under his direction, the Indian cricket team was converted from a team full of expectations to one that valued fearlessness, aggression, and an attitude of success. He is considered a true cricket visionary, someone whose impact will continue to affect the future of Indian cricket, even off the field.