As former India skipper Sourav Ganguly celebrates his 51st birthday, it's an opportune time to reflect on his illustrious career and his impact on Indian cricket. Known for his aggressive style of play, Ganguly, fondly called "Dada," left an indelible mark on the cricketing world.
Ganguly's journey began when he made his first-class debut in 1989 for Bengal, stepping in as a replacement for his brother Snehasish Ganguly. It was just the start of a remarkable career that would shape Indian cricket.
While his first ODI appearance in 1992 against the West Indies yielded just 3 runs, Ganguly bounced back and went on to achieve incredible milestones. His announcement on the Test stage was nothing short of grand, scoring a majestic 131 at Lord's in 1996 against England. The Prince of Calcutta was a fortunate charm for India.
Whenever Ganguly scored a century in Test cricket, India never lost the match. With 7212 runs in 113 Tests, including 16 centuries and 35 half-centuries, he displayed immense skill and resilience. In 311 ODIs, Ganguly amassed 11,363 runs at an average of 41.02, with 22 centuries and 72 half-centuries to his credit. His consistency and ability to perform in high-pressure situations made him a vital asset to the team.
Sourav Ganguly had an amazing post-retirement career
Ganguly's achievements are truly remarkable. He is the only player to receive four consecutive awards in ODIs, achieved in 1997. Additionally, he holds the distinction of being the first player to score three centuries in the history of the Champions Trophy.
While Ganguly faced ups and downs in his career, his comeback in 2006 after being dropped from the team showcased his determination and resilience. His contributions to Indian cricket extended beyond his playing days, as he served as the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal from 2015 to 2019 before taking over as the president of the Indian cricket board in October 2019.
As we celebrate Sourav Ganguly's 51st birthday, we recognise his significant contributions to Indian cricket as a player, leader, and administrator. His aggressive approach and exceptional achievements will forever be etched in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts around the world. Happy birthday, Dada!
Here is how fans react to Sourav Ganguly's birthday:
Best Indian captain after MS Dhoni
— Tweetum (@TweetumTwiterum) July 7, 2023
Baap of his children
— :( (@gheyforrohit) July 7, 2023
i was ardent fan of dada, stopped watching cricket when dhoni, dravid, chappel dropped him from cricket. now hate him for what he had done to kohli
— TipTop32 (@TipTop32) July 7, 2023
Happy Birthday Dada pic.twitter.com/emYV7vISsY
— Debashis (@Deba_229) July 7, 2023
Happy Birthday the father of chokli pic.twitter.com/0x0My5l2PV
— FIRE⁴⁵ (@firefire0045) July 7, 2023
Happy birthday to the real Aggressor of Indian Cricket.
— Santosh (@SmpPhukan) July 7, 2023
May you be shine always with your magnificent aura.❤ pic.twitter.com/pywMM5uQTX
Sourav Ganguly > Rohit and Virat 😂
— LOYAL CSK FAN (@cskfanforlife) July 7, 2023
In my childhood I have seen this guy on TV and asked my dad who is he?
— The Cricket Man (@ICC_cricket_man) July 8, 2023
Dad told he is “dada”
Then came to know about his Lords act.
Then to till he is my motivation, he is on of the key people bringing Team India to the top of table.
Happy birthday Dada.
Happy bday sir . He is really prince of kolkata. Moving with z type security. Captain of India for a long time. Making comeback test very speciall. There are so many memories with dada😄
— Praddum Tiwari (@PraddumT) July 8, 2023
The greatest captain of india
— TUK TUK (@CaptainCoool007) July 7, 2023
Ganguly>>>>>dhobi the credit stealer
Search in his pocket you'll find kohli
— samrat ❁ (@45isEmotion) July 7, 2023
Sacking chokli is his best achievement. Thanks dada
— 🄺Ⓐ🅃🄷🄸🅁 1⃣5⃣ (@katthikathir) July 7, 2023
Inka bhi birthday tha yad bhi nhi tha😢
— Prajapati dhiraj (@Prajapa24270171) July 7, 2023
❤️🇮🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/kJmlAMgz1c
— 𝖉𝖊 𝖇𝖗𝖚𝖟𝖓𝖊 (@ralishraju24) July 8, 2023
"Dhoni to try krte hai " thank you dada for this line 😄💛
— Raj Sharma (@RajSharma7824) July 7, 2023
Happy birthday legend 🔥