9th November 2008: The Day Dada Walked Off the Cricket Field for the Last Time
It was on this day that Sourav Ganguly, fondly called Dada, stepped onto the cricket field for one final time. The match was against mighty Australia, and fittingly, India not only won the Test but also sealed the series, a perfect farewell for one of India’s greatest cricket captains.
But Ganguly’s journey wasn’t just about stats or records; it was a tale of resilience, leadership, and unmatched passion.
The Journey From Controversy to Glory
Sourav Ganguly’s international career began in 1992 during India’s tour of the West Indies. Though his initial stint wasn’t remarkable, it was his attitude that caught attention. However, destiny had bigger plans for him.
In 1996, following Navjot Singh Sidhu’s sudden withdrawal from the England tour due to a dispute with then-captain Mohammad Azharuddin, Ganguly was recalled. The rest, as they say, is history.
The True Architect of Modern Indian Cricket
Ganguly remains the only cricketer whose Test average never dipped below 40 throughout his career—a rare feat. His leadership era began in 2000, when Indian cricket was shaken by match-fixing scandals involving big names like Azharuddin, Ajay Jadeja, and Manoj Prabhakar.
When Indian cricket was at its lowest, it was Ganguly who stood tall. He rebuilt Team India with fresh talent—players known for their aggression, grit, and hunger to win. It was under his leadership that India found stalwarts like Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, and Mohammad Kaif. He also revitalized the careers of legends like Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Rahul Dravid, and VVS Laxman.
One such famous incident was when Ganguly fought fiercely with selectors to pick Anil Kumble for the 2003-04 Australia tour, at a time when many thought Kumble’s career was over. Kumble later proved everyone wrong, and it all started with Ganguly’s unwavering belief in him.
A Captain Who Changed Mindsets
Sourav Ganguly wasn’t just a captain; he was a revolutionary leader. He taught Indian players how to stand up to sledging, how to celebrate victories openly, and most importantly, how to believe in themselves.
Under his captaincy, India reached the 2003 Cricket World Cup final. Many modern-day cricket experts credit Ganguly for laying the foundation of the fearless and dominant Indian team we see today. He empowered players to play with freedom and without fear.
King of Comebacks
Ganguly’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. He faced media criticism, was dropped from the team, and had tough confrontations with team management and coaches. His emotional comeback ad campaign still brings tears to his fans’ eyes.
Even in the latter stages of his career, Ganguly adapted by contributing as a handy all-rounder. His mere presence in the dressing room often boosted team morale, and his comebacks always turned into inspirational stories.
The Legacy of Dada
Even after retirement, Sourav Ganguly continues to have millions of loyal fans who admire his passion and boldness. He remains a symbol of resilience and leadership in Indian cricket.
A Grand Salute to Dada
Here’s to Sourav Ganguly—the man who transformed Indian cricket forever.
Written by Sourabh Sanyal in 2008, on the occasion of Sourav Ganguly’s retirement from International cricket.