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Sourav Ganguly, also known as the “Prince of Kolkata,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest batters of all time and is credited for the revival of the Indian cricket on the global stage.
Ganguly, affectionately called “Dada” by his fans, is idolized by Indian cricket enthusiasts. He was known for his flamboyant playing style and aggressive approach to the game. Hailing from Bengal, Ganguly served as the captain of the Indian ODI team from 2000 to 2005, leading the side in 49 Test matches as well. It was during his captaincy that India achieved notable success, reaching the final of the 2003 Cricket World Cup held in South Africa.
Ganguly’s impressive batting record speaks for itself. He amassed 11,363 runs in 311 ODI matches, placing him among the elite group of eight players who have scored over 11,000 runs in ODIs. Additionally, in Test cricket, Ganguly scored 7,212 runs in 112 matches, showcasing his ability to perform consistently across formats.
1. Sourav Ganguly’s all-round display against Pakistan’s fate in Toronto | Sahara Cup 1997
During the annual Sahara Cup held in Toronto in the mid-90s, the 51-year-old shone brightly as the standout performer of the 5-match series. Despite the challenging conditions, Ganguly displayed his exceptional skills with both bat and ball, making a significant impact on the matches. In the 1997 edition, he showcased his prowess by scoring 222 runs at an impressive average of 55.50 and taking 15 wickets at a remarkable average of 10.66.
One particular match stood out in Ganguly’s stellar performance was the fourth ODI. After Pakistan set a target of 159 runs from 28 overs, Ganguly showcased his bowling prowess by dismissing Pakistan’s captain Ramiz Raja and star all-rounder Saleem Malik. However, due to slow over-rates, India’s target was adjusted to more than six runs per over.
The chilly weather added to the difficulty of the match, but Ganguly remained composed and resilient. With India struggling at 54-3, Ganguly held his nerve and anchored the innings with his elegant strokeplay, especially his proficiency on the off-side. His controlled and graceful batting impressed cricketing legend Sir Geoffrey Boycott, who praised Ganguly as the “Prince of Kolkata.”
Ganguly’s contribution ensured India’s victory and helped them take a commanding 4-0 lead in the series against Pakistan.
2. The Ganguly classic in Karachi | 1997
After the Sahara Cup, the Indian cricket team embarked on a tour to Pakistan for a three-match ODI series. In a must-win situation, after losing the first match, India faced a challenging target of 266 runs in 47 overs in the second ODI at Karachi. The Pakistan bowling attack, featuring the likes of Waqar Younis, Saqlain Mushtaq, Aaqib Javed, Shahid Afridi and Azhar Mahmood, posed a formidable challenge.
However, the former Indian captain showcased his batting prowess and played a match-winning innings of 89 runs. He seemed to be at ease against the skilled Pakistani bowlers as he stroked the ball with finesse. Ganguly’s contribution provided India’s lower middle-order with the impetus they needed to secure a thrilling victory.
Ganguly’s partnership of 98 runs with Vinod Kambli proved crucial in India’s successful run chase. Their partnership set the foundation for the lower middle-order to finish the game and seal the victory
3. Ganguly’s start that proved decisive at Lord’s | NatWest Final against England, 2002
Ganguly’s iconic shirtless act on the Lord’s balcony after the NatWest final in 2002 is etched in the memory of cricket fans, but his contribution to the match went far beyond that moment. India had been struggling in tournament finals, and it seemed like history might repeat itself in the NatWest final against England.
Chasing a formidable target of 326, India needed a strong start, and the Indian Stalwart provided just that. With his aggressive strokeplay, he smashed 60 runs off just 43 balls, displaying an array of shots predominantly on the off-side. His innings included 10 fours and a six, setting the tone for the chase.
Although India lost wickets at regular intervals, the early momentum set by Ganguly ensured that the required run-rate remained high. It was a partnership between Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif that turned the game in India’s favour. They put on a crucial 121-run stand for the sixth wicket, guiding India to a memorable victory.
4. Ganguly’s ferocious return vs South Africa at Johannesburg | December 2006
After a hiatus of almost a year from Test cricket, Ganguly made a remarkable comeback, displaying his characteristic grit and determination. His return coincided with a challenging pitch where Indian batsmen struggled against the formidable South African pace attack.
In the face of adversity, Ganguly showcased his resilience and fought alongside the lower-order batsmen. His valuable contribution helped India reach a total of 249 runs in the first innings. Despite facing a barrage of short-pitched deliveries from the South African bowlers, Ganguly remained steadfast and refused to be intimidated. In a moment of brilliance, he slog-swept a delivery from Makhaya Ntini over midwicket for a six, displaying his ability to counter-attack.
Among the Indian batsmen, Ganguly was the lone warrior to cross the fifty-run mark in the innings. The team, buoyed by his spirited performance, rallied together and went on to secure a memorable victory, largely thanks to Sreesanth’s five-wicket haul.
5. Ganguly helped India in avoiding a home series defeat vs SA in Kanpur | 2008 Test Series
India arrived in Kanpur for the third Test of the series with one down. Their reputation of being tigers at home was at stake and the wicket was an extremely difficult one to negotiate. On a track with uneven bounce, where batsmen struggled, Ganguly not only fought his way to 87 but did so at a healthy strike-rate of over 73. India got a first innings lead and went on to win the game. In a game that was dominated by bowlers, Ganguly won the man-of-the-match for his invaluable knock. In the end of the match, the overjoyed Indians presented the grounds man with a reward of Rs 10,000. The South Africans, on the other hand, slammed the wicket calling it “below par.”
