This write-up of mine is dedicated to one of the biggest Characters in Indian cricket. Sourav Chandidas Ganguly, announced in public that this test series (India versus Australia, Oct-Nov 2008) is going to be his last. Effectively, ending all speculations about his future with on field Indian Cricket. Going by his nature (as I have observed), I am forced to think that he will be involved with the game in some way or the other. He has been an astute observer and learner of the game, a pretty effective communicator and a tremendous motivator. The quality he possesses in cricket, will make him a pretty sought out figure even after his retirement.
I should admit that I am not a big fan of Ganguly's batting or bowling. Though there have been times when I have been in awe seeing this batting. His wonderful flowing cover drives, his fierce square cuts and the way he steps out against the spinners it is just a treat to watch. But above all this, it is the Character of Ganguly that fascinates me. There has been quite a few stories doing rounds, about Ganguly's inclusion in Indian cricket. None of this story could hold any water after his test debut series in England. Indian cricket was going through its toughest phase when Ganguly was handed over the captaincy. There were clouds of match fixing allegations, there were people who had turned down captaining India in cricket as captaincy was having a terrible impact on their own personal performances. In walks Ganguly, and with him a wind of change crept into the attitude of Indian cricket team.
The change was not noticeable in a fortnight, it took some time for the change in attitude to be visible. Indian cricketers were always considered to be perfect Gentlemen for the game on the field. And the teams across the world, and partly the media too, had the habit of taking this attitude of Indian cricket team as granted. With the inception of Ganguly as the captain, there was a growing sense of self esteem in the team. This team was not shy of wearing this attitude, they were no more willing to take things lie down. A fighting spirit, a growing sense of camaraderie and a feeling of being safe about their positions in the team was discernible. With the captaincy in his had, Ganguly played a pretty strong and significant role in selection too. He used to back his players to the hilt, and this in turn reduced the fear of failure(and subsequent omission from the team) among the team members. He backed a set of youngsters like Harbahajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan who have carried on and have become the cream of the Indian cricket team. This phase of Indian cricket saw legendary players like Sachin, Rahul, Anil, VVS prosper and develop themselves as icons of Indian cricket. Every individual in the team started enjoying the success of other players in the team. And with this grew the confidence of the team, and they started winning and competing series played in home and more importantly abroad as well.
Every time people start writing Ganguly's cricket obituary, he has come back fighting like a phoenix. I might have to dedicate one complete write-up to describe his comebacks. He has been one of the most consistent ODI batsman from India, and quite a good number 6 batsman in tests. His gentle swing bowling can be termed more than useful. It is because of his habit of speaking his heart out, that the media seems to have never had enough of him. Apparently, because of this quality, controversy (some self imposed and some forced) has never remained separated from Ganguly. The board and the media have equally exploited this to their benefits.
Post his announcement (retirement), I had a final chance of witnessing Ganguly on cricket field as a player in the Bangalore test match. We went this Friday (10th October), most part of the day Australians were batting, and we saw some spirited performance from Ishant and Zaheer with the ball. Towards the end of the day we also saw some delightful batting by Sehwag and Gambhir. Ganguly's inning (first) in this match was a typical portrayal of Ganguly's character, a fine fighting and gritty knock of 47. Hope this series brings with it some more good performances from him, which can go on to help India win this coveted series. I just wish this series throws more challenges to him and he faces that in typical Ganguly way. Wishing him all the very best for his post retirement life.
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