Published: Jul 08, 2016, 07:18 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 08, 2016, 07:18 PM (IST)
Sourav Ganguly in his time as the Indian skipper made some bold decisions. One of the finest examples was in the 2001 Kolkata Test against Australia, where rather than playing out for a draw, he trusted his bowlers and went for the win. And this has been what he has done his whole career. The hallmark of Ganguly’s captaincy has always been his belief in players. He had no hesitation in giving chances to youngsters, and always shared a great rapport with fellow players. Being the personality he was, he instilled a sense of aggression in his side, which was severely lacking in the team before him. It is a no strange fact that many players played above their potential under him. Having someone like Ganguly in your dressing room, let alone as a captain instills confidence. ALSO READ: Happy Bday Ganguly! Former Indian skipper turns 44
Under Ganguly’s reign, there were more than fair few who were thrown into the international stage. Zaheer Khan, Mohammad Kaif, Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir were among the many players, who embarked on the big stage, thanks to the backing of their skipper. And it is a no surprise to see all of these players going on to have a successful international career. READ: Kaif: One of Ganguly’s finest finds for India
The best thing about Dada was and will always be the fact he never shied away from a challenge. He would be one of those who would have no hesitation in showing his emotions. Who can forget his famous celebration after India’s win over England in the NatWest series 2002 final? Such display of emotions show the mark of a true leader.
His fellow teammates appreciated his presence, and it made them better. There were quite a few number of players who reached their peak during his tenure as captain. Let’s take a look at the five players who flourished under Dada’s captaincy. ALSO READ: Ganguly’s aggression still flows through Team India
1. Sachin Tendulkar: Arguably the greatest batsman of all time, Tendulkar was a worldwide sensation even before Ganguly’s tenure as captain. But under Dada’s leadership, he was in the form of his life. In 42 Tests under Ganguly, he amassed 3768 runs at an astonishing average of 62.80. In the ODIs, he was equally breathtaking, scoring 4490 runs just under the average of 50 in 101 matches. Even the ‘Little Master’ will accept having someone like Ganguly brought out the best in him.
2. Rahul Dravid: Dravid arguably enjoyed playing the most under Ganguly. His overall stats are staggering, but with Ganguly as captain, the numbers, especially in Tests reach unreal heights. In a total of 49 Tests, he amassed 4912 runs at an average of 73.31. Absolutely sensational numbers! In ODIs, he was equally impressive, scoring 4223 runs in 133 matches. Another member of ‘Fab Five’ whose form went upwards under Ganguly’s reign.
3. Virender Sehwag: Sehwag made his international bow under Ganguly’s captaincy. He started of his career at No.6, but gradually saw himself promoted to the top-order. Sehwag had mixed fortunes under Ganguly’s leadership. While he had an unbelievable run in Tests, his ODI form was not up to the mark. Yet, credit goes to Dada for finding such a talent, who would later be feared around the world. READ: Sourav Ganguly: The catalyst behind India’s future success
4. Irfan Pathan: Who can ever forget Irfan Pathan? The boy from Baroda looked set for a bright future, and was even compared to the great Kapil Dev. Another of the Ganguly’s finds, Pathan played 32 ODIs and 11 Tests under Dada, scalping 53 and 57 wickets respectively. His career though, went downwards since then, proving how much he enjoyed playing under Ganguly.
5. Harbhajan Singh: Harbhajan made his debut before Ganguly became the captain, so he was not one of his finds. Yet, Harbhajan will be the first to admit he loved to bowl under Ganguly. A bowler who never shies away from responsibility, Harbhajan was the key to the Indian skipper’s plans. His 177 wickets came in just 37 games under Ganguly, and since then, has never reached similar heights. READ: Sourav Ganguly & MS Dhoni: Men who redefined leadership
It is true that these players had the talent within to succeed. But no one can deny that Dada’s leadership motivated them, so much that they were at their mercurial best during his time. It’s safe to say, these five players found their feet and enjoyed cricket to maximum during Ganguly’s captaincy period.
(R Narayan is a reporter with CricketCountry, and is an ardent cricket and football enthusiast (big Manchester United fan). Having followed cricket since 2003, he likes high scoring matches as well as good fast bowling. His Twitter handle is @RNarayan24nov)
