Greatest Indian Captain Sourav Ganguly announces retirement [Archive]

Kalyasi

7th October 2008, 06:00 PM

[tscii:ee93933fb0]Sourav Ganguly

India

Full name - Sourav Chandidas Ganguly

Born July 8, 1972, Calcutta (now Kolkata), Bengal

Current age 36 years 91 days

Major teams India, Asia XI, Bengal, Glamorgan, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lancashire

Batting style Left-hand bat

Bowling style Right-arm medium

Height 5 ft 11 in

January 11, 1992

Inauspicious debut

Makes his ODI debut, his only international on the tour of Australia. Scores 3 and is duly dropped. His highest score on the tour is 29, against Queensland.

June 21 and 22, 1996

Test debut is different

In his first Test, at Lord's, scores an imperious century. Follows it up with another century in the very next Test at Trent Bridge, on July 4.

October 23, 1996

Quite a sighter

In his 11th one-dayer, in Jaipur, opens the innings for the first time, against South Africa. This is the first time the greatest opening combination in ODI history, him and Sachin Tendulkar, comes together. He scores 54, Tendulkar 64, in a 126-run stand.

August 20, 1997

Has a ball in Sri Lanka

Playing against Sri Lanka, scores his first ODI century, in his 32nd match, in Colombo. This innings follows a 147 in the second Test, an innings instrumental in drawing the Test.

September, 1997

If it's Toronto, it has to be Ganguly

High point of his career. Is the leading scorer and wicket-taker in the Sahara Cup. With 222 runs at 55.5 and 15 wickets at 10.66, he wins four Man-of-the-Match awards in five matches, and is the most unanimous Man of the Series, as India beat Pakistan 4-1.

November-December, 1997

Whipping Sri Lanka, round 2

With 392 runs at an average of 98, ends the three-Test home series against Sri Lanka as top scorer and Man of the Series.

January 18, 1998

Setting up a famous chase

Scores 124 against Pakistan in the then highest successful run-chase in ODI history, as India score 316 in 47.5 overs to win the Independence Cup in Dhaka.

July 7, 1998

Whipping Sri Lanka, round 3

Scores 109 against Sri Lanka in Colombo, in the then highest opening stand in ODIs. He and Tendulkar (128) put together 252 runs as India win the Singer-Akai-Nidahas Trophy final by six runs.

May 26, 1999

Whipping Sri Lanka, round 4

A day when he, in partnership, looks like breaking every batting record in the book. His 183 in Taunton is the then highest ODI score by an Indian; the 318-run partnership with Rahul Dravid (145) is the then highest partnership ever; and India's 373 for 6 is the then second-largest ODI total.

September, 1999

Captaincy calibre

Captains India for the first time in the Coca-Cola Singapore Challenge tournament, against West Indies, as Tendulkar is rested due to a sore back. Barely a week later, he leads India again in the DMC Cup - with Tendulkar skipping the tournament due to an injury - against West Indies. India win the series 2-1.

February, 2000

County calling

Signs up to replace Muttiah Muralitharan as Lancashire's overseas cricketer.

February 26, 2000

Tendulkar resigns, Ganguly obliges

Is named captain of the Indian team for the five-ODI home series against South Africa. The announcement comes after Tendulkar has resigned from captaincy. At the prime of his one-day form, he ends the series as top run-getter, but India lose a closely fought series. Is named full-time captain after the series.

March 21, 2001

Final frontier remains

End of a month of enthralling Test cricket. Ganguly is the leading face of a brash, aggressive Indian team who come back from an impossible situation to beat Australia 2-1. Is vindicated as a captain.

November, 2001

tete-à-tête with match-referee

In an unprecedented and highly controversial action, Ganguly and five other Indian players are summoned by Mike Denness, the match-referee, and warned for excessive appealing during the Port Elizabeth Test. He is also accused of not controlling his players, and is punished with a suspended ban for one Test match and two one-day international matches. India lose the three-Test series 2-0, and the third is deemed unofficial by the ICC amid threats of a revolt by India and the BCCI.

July 13, 2002

Paying them in the same currency

Is seen waving his shirt emphatically at the Lord's balcony as an incredible win in the NatWest Series final caps off impressive back-to-back tours of West Indies and England. India had lost their last nine finals in a row, six under Ganguly. He scores a century in the Test series that follows. India draw the series 1-1.

March 20, 2003

Promised land

Scores a century in the World Cup semi-final as India make it to the final for the first time since 1983.

December 7, 2003

Leading from the front

In Brisbane, scores a brilliant counter-attacking century in a tricky situation to set the tone for Indian batsmen on the Australian tour.

April 16, 2004

Neighbours won over

Becomes the first Indian captain to win a Test series in Pakistan. Also with 15 Test wins, he becomes India's most successful captain. India win the five-ODI series too by a margin of 3-2.

October 10, 2004

Beginning of the false end

India lose the first Test against Australia in Bangalore by 217 runs. He struggles both as a batsman and as a captain, and his withdrawal from the last two Tests due to injury leads to much media speculation and controversy. Australia capture the final frontier with a 2-1 series win.

March 28, 2005

Decline continues

The signs of his decline are obvious after a dismal showing in a drawn series at home against Pakistan. Pakistan side triumphs in the decider at Bangalore, virtually signalling the end of the successful Ganguly-Wright relationship. Ganguly scores 48 runs in the series, at 9.60.

April 12, 2005

Bad gets worse

After the fourth ODI against Pakistan, with the six-match ODI series tied 2-2, he is banned for six matches for a slow-over rate and has to watch from the sidelines as India go down 2-4 to Pakistan.

September 15, 2005

After hundred, comes nadir

A slow hundred against a depleted Zimbabwe sends the critics into raptures, only for the controversial Ganguly-Greg Chappell saga to blow up in everyone's faces. Ganguly goes public with his dismay at Chappell's suggestions during the match that he step down from the captaincy, and the media goes wild. Chappell is not amused, maintaining that the Indian captain asked him for his honest opinion on his form and leadership in a private meeting between the two. The tour goes on, with India unsurprisingly beating Zimbabwe 2-0. On the team's return to India Ganguly is publicly ostracised and there are more and more calls for his sacking. Forty-eight hours after saying that he respected the Indian captain and looked forward to working with him in the future, Chappell fires off a damning memorandum to the BCCI.

October 21, 2005

Refusal to die

Hits a century in the Duleep Trophy match against a strong North Zone attack to remind the world that he is not done yet.

November 22, 2005

Passes the thorny baton

The selectors end his five-year reign as Test captain when they pick Rahul Dravid to lead India in the Tests against Sri Lanka.

January to March, 2006

Uninvited

Is picked for the Test series in Pakistan. Does not bat in the first Test, is dropped for the second, and scores 34 and 37 in the third in Karachi. His performance isn't enough to secure a spot in the one-day series that followed. Is not picked for the home Tests against England.

December 7, 2006

Beginning of the end of the end

India are doing miserably in South Africa, having lost all the one-dayers. Ganguly is picked for the Tests. India are 1 for 2, 37 for 3, 59 for 4 against Rest of South Africa in Potchefstroom. Ganguly comes in and scores 83, India win, and take momentum into the Test series.

December 15, 2006

Riposte continues

Scores a half-century with the tail in the Johannesburg Test, as India reach a crucial 249 and bowl South Africa out for 84. They go on to win by 123 runs, but lose in the final Test to squander an opportunity for a rare series win. Ganguly is the leading run-getter for India.

January 21, 2007

ODIs, here I come, again

In Nagpur, on his ODI comeback, scores 98 against West Indies. India go on to score 338 and win by 14 runs.

May 18-19, 2007

I have been expecting you, Test ton

Scores an even 100 in Chittagong, his third century in three-and-a-half years. His last two centuries are Bulawayo, 2005 and Brisbane, 2003.

July-August, 2007

Feels like home in England

Scores 249 runs at 49.80 in India's series win in England, and has secured his place in both Test and ODI sides.

November-December, 2007

E-done and double delight

Scores his first Test century at Eden Gardens, his home ground, and follows it up with his first double-century, in Bangalore. Pakistan are at the receiving end, as he top-scores with 534 runs in three Tests at an average of 89, and is the Man of the Series.

December 2007-January 2008

Beginning of another false end?

A mixed Test series in Australia (235 runs at 29.37, two half-centuries) is followed up by the ODI axe for the CB Series in Australia.

April 12, 2008

Mastering the Mean Street

On an under-prepared, dual-paced pitch in Kanpur, Ganguly scores a serene 87 to help India level the three-Test series against South Africa. Later calls it one of his best Test innings.

[/tscii:ee93933fb0]

P_R

7th October 2008, 06:53 PM

Good decision.

He is one of the most interesting left-handers I have watched. An almost improbable fluency of strokes, generating width out of nowhere for those drives, and the famous dancing-down-the-pitch sixes will be remembered forever. Sachin-Sourav is the best opening combo ever !

His great knocks - like Dhaka '98 and Taunton massacre are of course, highlights for me. The Sahara Cup '97, WC 03, India's tour of Englad '02 and of course the greatest cricket series I have watched : Aus in India 2001.

Since his comeback even his fielding was just great. He was Man-of-the-Series in the comeback series: the ODI series with SL before WC 07. He was fielding like a maniac with some awesome catches too. Surprised a lot of people.

While I will always have issues with his 'aggression' = competitiveness style, his sucess as a captain just cannot be denied.

Hope to see some knocks on the way out, in this series.

aduththu.......LetchumanA, nee eppo raja kiLambure ?

littlemaster1982

7th October 2008, 07:14 PM

Mixed feelings :? Seems like he is hurt :roll:

viraajan

7th October 2008, 07:26 PM

Romba insult panni irukkanga pola... :cry2:
Vedhanaiya irukku...

Sourav

7th October 2008, 07:43 PM

Romba insult panni irukkanga pola... :cry2:
Vedhanaiya irukku... :(

Former players hail Ganguly's timing to go

New Delhi, Oct 7 (PTI) Perfect timing has been the hallmark of Sourav Ganguly's batting and the stylish left-hander chose the right time to call it quits, believe former players.
Former captain Bishan Singh Bedi, a bitter Ganguly critic at some point, today hailed the left-hander, calling him a 'legend' of the game.

"I would like to celebrate his retirement, rather than mourn it because of his enormous contribution to Indian cricket. A great player, a legend of the game has hung up his boots and we all should celebrate his contribution," Bedi said.

"I'm not surprised since such a possibility was doing the rounds. It looked very much on the cards. I think he thus became a forerunner among the senior players and I hope he went on his own terms," he added.

The spin legend, however, appealed to all to treat senior players with lot more respect.

"We've to deal with them with lot more compassion and respect. Players like Ganguly, Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman are great cricketers and should not be ridiculed," he said.

Chief selector K Srikkanth said Ganguly had spoken to him and fellow selector Narendra Hirwani before announcing his retirement.

"We had a chat with him and he felt it was his time (to go). Every now and then, the axe was on him and he said, 'Chika, let me play once without any pressure.' "I pray he scores a lot of runs against Australia and India win the series. Because guys like Sourav Ganguly deserve to go out on a winning note," Srikkanth said. PTI

http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/79ECA56C9E684AC2652574DB004AE3AB?OpenDocument

Irukkura varaikkum ella pazhiyayum ivar mela pottanga... .ippo pogumbothu thooki vachu aaduranga...Chae Enna ulagam....

viraajan

7th October 2008, 07:53 PM

Is this retirement from both ODI and Test? or only test?

Sourav

7th October 2008, 07:56 PM

Is this retirement from both ODI and Test? or only test?both....IPL mattum than aaduvar-nu nenaikiren...

viraajan

7th October 2008, 08:04 PM

Is this retirement from both ODI and Test? or only test?both....IPL mattum than aaduvar-nu nenaikiren...

cha... i thought this is only for test :cry2:

Corleone

7th October 2008, 08:05 PM

viraajan

7th October 2008, 08:09 PM

Is this retirement from both ODI and Test? or only test?

He was not given an opportunity to retire from ODIs....he was dropped forever with clear signals.
Even in tests it doesnt look to be his choice.....it looks like CRS (Complusory Retirement Scheme).

Thats exactly what i wanted to say. This is under compulsion. It's very clear... sudden announcement... under compulsion than...

wrap07

7th October 2008, 09:14 PM

sad. He has defied this for quite some time against the media onslaught and doubts about his being picked in the squad now and then.

One of the fiery players on the field & he can be credited for making even the mighty aussies get worked up. Brilliant player of spin bowling and his dancing down the wicket for maximum is quite a sight. His cover drive is a sure delight. A very successful captain who even moulded a side.

Hopefully we can expect some fiery knocks from Sourav as parting. May be he was mentally prepared for this decision. Good that he will have a graceful exit. others should take the cue.

ajithfederer

7th October 2008, 09:35 PM

One down, three to go.

villan007

7th October 2008, 09:41 PM

beg to differ - Saurav is the Greatest captain Indian team has ever produced. The only captain who changed the way the rest of the cricketing nations looked at India. Considering the time he took over the team his achievements are even more commendable :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:

+1

:cry: :cry: :cry:

Nerd

7th October 2008, 10:09 PM

One down, three to go.
One down, one to go. Appram cricketaavadhu m******vadhu :cry2:

ajithfederer

7th October 2008, 10:18 PM

I am so seriously wondering what all would have happened behind the scenes. As bala posted in that statistics link he was the most consistent scorer in the test format for 2 years. What on earth is needed for an early retirement here. I believe that he has atleast 2 years of test cricket in him at least.

Like many others here, I believe that this is NOT a decision from ganguly rather than a forced decision for the sake of dignity. A cricketer like ganguly deserves a better treatment. Love him or hate him but you can't ignore him.

Whose next to be axed is the big question. I shudder to think of sachin :shaking:

Vivasaayi

7th October 2008, 10:24 PM

af,

for sachin it should be the biggest send off ever to a sportsman :cool:

ajithfederer

7th October 2008, 10:25 PM

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200810061863.htm

Sachin unveils Dravid's statue

Bangalore (PTI): When you walk into M Chinnaswamy Stadium next time, a major landmark of Bangalore, you will certainly not miss "The Wall".

Made of 10,000 bricks, this 27-feet high and 15-feet wide structure, erected just a few steps into the stadium, is a unique tribute to the home-born cricketer Rahul Dravid, who made it big in the world cricket.

The structure was on Monday unveiled by his teammate master blaster Sachin Tendulkar at a brief ceremony here. But why 10,000 blocks? Simple. The number represents Dravid's 10,000-plus runs in both Test matches and one-dayers.

The highlight of "The Wall" is a large 'metal statue' of Dravid playing his trademark cover-drive. There is a live electronic unit at the right-hand-top-corner of 'The Wall', which displays Dravid's current score in Test cricket, even as he keeps the score boards ticking.

The structure, with the words "Commitment, Consistency, Class" written on it, has been built by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) along with city-based builder Skyline Group, of which Dravid is the brand ambassador.

"I am honoured and humbled by that" is what Dravid had to say. Among others Test skipper Anil Kumble, former cricketers Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad, EAS Prasanna and B Chandrasekhar were present on the occasion.

Right-u next dravid dhan pola :

Vivasaayi

7th October 2008, 10:31 PM

nextu kumble

dravid is fitter than many youngsters :roll:

Vivasaayi

7th October 2008, 10:34 PM

ganguly retires from both odis and tests? :roll:

but we could watch him in ipl :D

Best Indian Captain that I have witnessed :notworthy:

He changed a thayirsadham team to a real fighting team.

ajithfederer

7th October 2008, 10:38 PM

Sir-ae avara yosichu erangidanumnu solrein. :).

No tom, dick and harry in Indian cricket(Or world cricket for that matter), selection committee, former player, nondi nosakkai has the eligibility/right/respect to ask sachin to quit gradhu en vaadham. Ivanugalukellam pesavae vaaypu kodukka padadhu.

I seriously don't want sachin to face this nonsense just like what has happened to ganguly.

af,

for sachin it should be the biggest send off ever to a sportsman :cool:

Vivasaayi

7th October 2008, 10:41 PM

do u think a bombay based politician will have the guts to threaten the biggest icon ever in mumbai?

:lol:

Sir-ae avara yosichu erangidanumnu solrein. :).

No tom, dick and harry in Indian cricket(Or world cricket for that matter), selection committee, former player, nondi nosakkai has the eligibility/right/respect to ask sachin to quit gradhu en vaadham. Ivanugalukellam pesavae vaaypu kodukka padadhu.

I seriously don't want sachin to face this nonsense just like what has happened to ganguly.

af,

for sachin it should be the biggest send off ever to a sportsman :cool:

thilak4life

7th October 2008, 10:44 PM

All Perusus should move on, and let Rohit sharma, Gautham gambir, and co to dazzle!

Like how Kevin Pietersen has made us forget the previous generation English batsmen. However, they being mediocre is a different issue. :lol2:

Vivasaayi

7th October 2008, 10:46 PM

thilak,

these rohits sharmas and yuvaraj singhs are not doing greatly at test level.

Vivasaayi

7th October 2008, 10:48 PM

raina would be the right replacement for ganguly.

ajithfederer

7th October 2008, 10:49 PM

Of the young lot gautam gambhir has been just brilliant. His consistency amazes me.

ajithfederer

7th October 2008, 10:50 PM

Vicky

Its been 8 years down the lane and Yuvi can't play spin for life. Forget him in the test level :lol: .

Vivasaayi

7th October 2008, 10:55 PM

Vicky

Its been 8 years down the lane and Yuvi can't play spin for life. Forget him in the test level :lol: .

yep!

once I thought he would replace sachin :ashamed:

MrIndia

7th October 2008, 11:00 PM

:( Natwest was one of the Best...

Gud bye Dada :wave: :wave:

Vivasaayi

7th October 2008, 11:05 PM

Dada was known for attacking it the beginning of the innings whenever we chase large totals.He would cme down the track against fast bowlers so often.

Infact in many chases his quickfire 30 40 and 50s gone unnoticed - which were actually crucial in the context of the game.

m_23_bayarea

7th October 2008, 11:07 PM

Sad news! Saurav is one of my all time favorite cricketers, and I do believe his contribution to Indian cricket especially as a captain makes him one of the best ever! 8-)

Indian cricket will miss him big time... :(

littlemaster1982

7th October 2008, 11:13 PM

I was reading this (http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/current/story/372733.html) article today morning and this part impressed me. Never expected I would be mentioning this in Ganguly's retirement thread :|

Waugh mentions in his book how Ganguly managed to get under the Aussies' skins, putting the boot on the other foot. "They have won most of their games at home, beaten West Indies 5-0 at home, beaten India, Pakistan at home," Ganguly said in an interview before the series. "They toured here in '96 and lost. They toured here in '98 and lost. So obviously that's going to be at the back of their mind."

"You had to give him an 'A' for effort in his attempt to annoy us," Waugh wrote, "and in particular me. It worked to a certain extent." It helps that India are a naturally aggressive side. That they don't give Australia a headstart.

Ganguly got India to think big. He believed Australia could be beaten, and he got his team to believe that. There were men in the side who would stand up against Australia's intimidatory tactics, so that when it came to the crunch Australia were not the predetermined winners. If others could choke against Australia, Australia could also choke against India - like they did in the final innings in Kolkata in 2001.

selvakumar

7th October 2008, 11:20 PM

"You had to give him an 'A' for effort in his attempt to annoy us," Waugh wrote, "and in particular me. It worked to a certain extent." It helps that India are a naturally aggressive side. That they don't give Australia a headstart.

Ganguly got India to think big. He believed Australia could be beaten, and he got his team to believe that. There were men in the side who would stand up against Australia's intimidatory tactics, so that when it came to the crunch Australia were not the predetermined winners. If others could choke against Australia, Australia could also choke against India - like they did in the final innings in Kolkata in 2001.

:exactly:
Tonight, I was watching a discussion on his retirement in Times Now. When an australian reporter was asked to comment on whether it is his aggression or stubbornness (he said some other word.. forgot), he rated it as "in between". For this, he was referring how he made steve wait for the toss in India.

Quickly another indian reporter said the aussy reporter is lot more diplomatic and he said it was GANGULY's way of doing things and ONLY HE CAN CHALLENGE the aussy approach of "mental disintegration" & GET AWAY EASILY also.

I still remember the articles that came in dinathanthi during that period. Before the test series, they had an article that read "Panangaattu nari sala salappukku anjumaa (nari = steve)"

After the series, they were doing a quick O-TURN and published an article that read "PULI PATHUNGIYATHU PAAIVATHARUKKU" (Needless to say who is the tiger here)

villan007

8th October 2008, 12:08 AM

One down, three to go.
One down, one to go. Appram cricketaavadhu m******vadhu :cry2:

:yes:

MADDY

8th October 2008, 09:53 AM

one of the saddest days in my cricket watching life :( ......what saurav gave us was a irreversible spirit and belief that we can be the best in the world........i think teams of succeeding generations owe dada this quality......... as a batsman too, he made 2 huge comebacks in his career........as we move along, we would find great athletes and cricketers but will they have the attitude and spirit of saurav???

who started this retirement of "fab four" thingi??? :huh: .......do they have replacments for these 4??? :x

directhit

8th October 2008, 09:55 AM

Ganguly reveals kidnap threat on daughter

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday confirmed media reports that his family received letters threatening that his daughter Sana would be kidnapped.

"This is true, but I don't want to say anything about it," the left-hander said in Bangalore on Tuesday.

According to reports, Ganguly's wife Dona received two letters via post a few days back threatening to kidnap their daughter. The kidnappers, it is learnt, have demanded a ransom of around four crore rupees.

Sana will turn seven on November 3 and it is still not clear whether the threat has anything to do with India's most successful skipper announcing his retirement just days before the four-Test series against Australia gets underway.

A Kolkata senior police officer said two letters were received by Ganguly's family, one as recently as 10 days ago, "threatening to kidnap his daughter for a ransom of Rs 2 crore".

"There were two letters, one which was hand-delivered as it arrived without any postal marks. The other was sent from the Esplanade post office by Speed Post," Additional Director General, CID, Bhupinder Singh said.

The one delivered a month ago when Sourav was abroad was hand-delivered and the other received ten days ago was sent by Speed Post. Both the letters were addressed to Sourav's wife, Dona, he added.

"It is not yet clear who sent the letters. The Gangulys didn't give much of importance to the first letter, because at that time they were abroad, but after they received the second letter they were worried and approached the CID," said Singh :?

Sourav

8th October 2008, 09:55 AM

who started this retirement of "fab four" thingi??? :huh: .......do they have replacments for these 4??? :x
Srikanth & co... :evil:

thamizhvaanan

8th October 2008, 10:20 AM

Good decision. I wish he could have given it more time and retire when nobody dares to talk of it, like how he was before australia series. He made a comeback and shut everyones mouth.

I wish he made another terrific comeback and retire like a tiger like how he was in his prime. Needless to say he is the best Indian captain so far, his spirit will stay with the team for a long time. :thumbsup:

Wibha

8th October 2008, 10:25 AM

Really SAD although it is a good decision. GOOD LUCK DADA :thumbsup:

we will miss you :( :cry:
one among the best captains in cricket . you ROCK :)

thamizhvaanan

8th October 2008, 10:26 AM

But now the bigger question is, a door is open for the next generation. Who is going to make it?

Yuvraaj ?? chanceless :twisted: he still thinks he can get away in tests by blasting. I am yet to see a buckled down innings under testing conditions from him.

Rohit Sharma - So much hype and talk.. it always spoils a kid and he is still young. Need more time and experience in domestic cricket?

Badri - Not a replacement for Dada, from what I read he is more like Dravid. But it would be good for him and India if he plays along with dravid and develops his skills as his understudy. Two technically sound players in a team is not a bad situation.

directhit

8th October 2008, 10:29 AM

TV - Raina is better than RS and YS

wrap07

8th October 2008, 10:32 AM

Kumble hints at retirement.
(this thread will become senior retirement thread or what ?)

thamizhvaanan

8th October 2008, 10:36 AM

Kumble hints at retirement.
(this thread will become senior retirement thread or what ?)

naansens.. :twisted: Jumbo needs to go for another yr or more. Bhajji is not even close to threatening these days and the only hope is piyush chawla.. he needs to grow under the seniors, not replace them!!!

And its sad to see how selectors ignored him and brought in some mishra :banghead: Cheap and thoughtless!!! :curse:

thamizhvaanan

8th October 2008, 10:39 AM

TV - Raina is better than RS and YS

Yeah.. I forgot Suresh Raina. We havent seen him play in test matches right?

If he is gonna throw his bat at mid off hoping for a six every over like he does in ODI's.. then gone case only :cry:

wrap07

8th October 2008, 10:46 AM

thamizhvaanan

8th October 2008, 10:55 AM

Do you guys think Srinath had a graceful exit? I think so... he left when he was playing really well, after performing well during world cup.

Sanguine Sridhar

8th October 2008, 10:56 AM

the only hope is piyush chawla.. he needs to grow under the seniors, not replace them!!!

And its sad to see how selectors ignored him and brought in some mishra :banghead: Cheap and thoughtless!!! :curse:

Have you seen the way he dismissed Ponting in the practice match? A perfect googly, which completely shocked the Australian skipper.

Regarding Sourav, what a great guy he was, such a dominative and an aggressive captain. Who can forget

1.Natwest 2002
2.2003 worldcup
3.2004 Victories in Australia

King of off-side, terrific opener, useful bowler :notworthy: :clap:

But then every player has to bid adieu one day, in such a complex situation I think this is the right decision by him. I think the best way to answer BCCI is to score centuries in all the matches he plays. Good bye Champ! :wave: :notworthy: :clap:

thamizhvaanan

8th October 2008, 10:58 AM

the only hope is piyush chawla.. he needs to grow under the seniors, not replace them!!!

And its sad to see how selectors ignored him and brought in some mishra :banghead: Cheap and thoughtless!!! :curse:

Have you seen the way he dismissed Ponting in the practice match? A perfect googly, which completely shocked the Australian skipper.

I have only read abt it SS.

Regarding Sourav, what a great guy he was, such a dominative and an aggressive captain. Who can forget

1.Natwest 2002
2.2003 worldcup
3.2004 Victories in Australia

King of off-side, terrific opener, useful bowler :notworthy: :clap:

But then every player has to bid adieu one day, in such a complex situation I think this is the right decision by him. I think the best way to answer BCCI is to score centuries in all the matches he plays. Good bye Champ! :wave: :notworthy: :clap:It is no coincidence that golden age of indian cricket coincides with Ganguly's captaincy. :notworthy:

Sourav

8th October 2008, 12:30 PM

[tscii:a01524b484]Sourav, hard competitor and fair sportsman - Ricky Ponting

The big news of the day ahead of the first Test of this series is the retirement of Sourav Gan guly. There is no doubt that Ganguly was one of the foremost Indian players of his generation, and was the captain who gave his side a competitive edge which was not as apparent before he took over the reins. Along with Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, he formed a formidable middle order, perhaps the only one to really challenge us over the last eight-ten years.
The last couple of years have been a little up and down for Sourav, and it has not helped that the me dia has swooped down whenever he has not been able to score runs. He has had to constantly prove him self, which has been a little surprising because he has been one of the most consistent scorers for In dia in Tests over the last two seasons. His One-Day record has always been exceptional, and in my opin ion, he is a better cricketer than his average of 41 suggests.
Sourav’s retirement marks the beginning of a transition phase similar to the one that we faced over the last couple of years. This is not to say that the rest of Sourav’s con temporaries will immediately fol low suit, but there is no denying that the Indian cricket establishment’s major challenge now will be initi ating a smooth rebuilding process
My own personal relationship with Sourav has always been quite cordial. I know that he had a few is sues with Steve (Waugh), but I got along quite well with him over the years. I always found him a hard competitor and a fair sportsman We have chatted occasionally on the field, but it has always been light hearted, and even when we have spo ken to each other off the field, I have found him to be quite a friendly guy. We got to know each other as teammates during the India Premier League, when we were together for the Kolkata Knight Riders. He was again very easy-going and open to suggestions It’s a pity that this series does not have a game sched uled in Kolkata as the city would have liked to give its favourite sportsman a memo rable send-off.
Sourav’s retirement gives a new dimension to the series. He is now pretty much guaranteed to play the four Tests, and this will take the pressure to perform off him. How ever, it might add a bit of pressure on his teammates.
From Thursday, they will be fol lowed by the media for quotes and bytes, and there will be the desire to give their erstwhile captain a win ning send-off. We went through a similar situation with Steve Waugh and Adam Gilchrist, so it’s inter esting to see the opposition team face with it this time.
For our part, we are focused on the first Test We had two good warm-up games and have got pretty well acclimatized to the conditions here We have always enjoyed good results at the Chin naswamy Stadium, and hopefully will keep that record intact. GAMEPLAN

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOI&BaseHref=TOICH/2008/10/08&PageLabel=21&EntityId=Ar02101&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T
[/tscii:a01524b484]

directhit

8th October 2008, 01:21 PM

[tscii:4d1f2dcc61]
It’s a pity that this series does not have a game sched uled in Kolkata as the city would have liked to give its favourite sportsman a memo rable send-off. true and sad :( Kolkatta wud have given him a wonderful send off 8-)[/tscii:4d1f2dcc61]

viraajan

8th October 2008, 02:25 PM

Regarding Sourav, what a great guy he was, such a dominative and an aggressive captain. Who can forget

1.Natwest 2002
2.2003 worldcup
3.2004 Victories in Australia

:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:

Pillar of Indian Cricket team is gone!!! In fact, the pillar has been destructed!

P_R

8th October 2008, 04:06 PM

Do you guys think Srinath had a graceful exit? I think so... he left when he was playing really well, after performing well during world cup.
It was initially not graceful. Sourav made it graceful for him.

After a poor performance in WI tour in 2002 (not very poor actually, he performed resasonably well) , the selectors dropped Srinath who prompty retired. Sourav Ganguly publicly expressed the need for Srinath when going to England.Srinath declined.

We went to England and drew the series 1-1. I think Sourav again commented that the team would have won (and would have been India's first series victory in England) if Srinath had played. The pacers - Zaheer, Nehra etc. where lacked the experience and guidance. Ganguly continued to make it known to board and he public that he wanted Srinath back.

the opportunity presented itself. Nehra got injured before the ICC miniworld cup final and Ganguly put his foot down insisting on Srinath's return. The board gave in and Srinath was in (the match was washed out).

It is understood that Ganguly made personal requests to Srinath return in a bowler cum coach capacity to guide the youngsters for the 2003 WC. Srinath played the WI tour after the mini world cup (where Balaji made a disastrous debut).

We went in NZ in Jan 2003 and Srinath was the King.We lost the series with miserable batting. But Srinath was -by a good distance - the best bowler. We were down 4-0. But finished the series 5-2.
And Zaheer was becoming a deadly partner for Srinath.

And then of course the 2003 WC: He was just brilliant. That match against SriLanka was just great. But Srinath being Srinath, never got big 5 wkt hauls. All his wickets were bits and pieces of hard work in each match.

salaam_chennai

8th October 2008, 04:41 PM

Dada's 4 consecutive Man-of-the-Match record will not be broken for ever.

ajithfederer

9th October 2008, 02:55 AM

http://cricket.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Tired_of_constant_humiliation_Ganguly/articleshow/3575361.cms

NEW DELHI: "I was tired of being humiliated again and again. I don't want to play cricket at the mercy of others," Sourav Ganguly said in an int
erview published in a Bengali daily on Wednesday. The interview was given right after the former India captain announced his decision on Tuesday to quit from all forms of international cricket after the India-Australia series.

Pouring his heart out, India's most successful Test captain and most successful left-handed batsman said that it was becoming increasingly difficult for him to put up with the constant humiliation. "It doesn't make sense to play cricket like this. I have played enough cricket."

Ganguly had scored heavily in Test cricket after his comeback in 2006, barring the recent away series against Sri Lanka. He wondered why he was the only player being targeted all the time. "Everything is possible in Indian cricket. When Greg (Chappell) chopped me, TP Singh (of Railways and now with the ICL) was my replacement. Where is he now," he asked.

A sarcastic Ganguly then went on to say, "There are players who haven't scored for last three series for India, even for the last one year. There are some who have changed their hairstyle more than they have scored for India."
The former Indian captain admitted that the decision to quit had hurt him emotionally.

He went on to say that being on constant trial had hurt him emotionally. "I am bound to feel bad. I had to fight with my heart. If there is a gun to your head all the time, how long can you bear this? After all, I have played 400 matches for India. I have played badly in only one series. Yet every Tom, Dick and Harry is playing in the team."

When Ganguly was asked about choosing the Ashtami Day for making his decision public, he replied, "I thought of ending all miseries before Durga Puja. There's too much confusion. People are double-faced and I can't take it anymore.

"I thought a lot before reaching this decision. I have also thought about my plans for the next one year. If this committee had come three years earlier, the situation would have been slightly better for me. I didn't expect to be chopped from the Irani Trophy team. I was really hurt by this incident."

The earlier selection committee led by Dilip Vengsarkar had dropped Ganguly from the Rest of India squad. He was retained in the Test team by the new selection committee led by Krishnamachari Srikkanth.

m_23_bayarea

9th October 2008, 02:58 AM

I feel so bad for the mistreatment given to such a great cricketer! Our folks will never realize the true value of something as long as they have it! Once they lose it, they'll then just whine and cry abt it... :oops:

directhit

9th October 2008, 06:26 AM

A sarcastic Ganguly then went on to say, "There are players who haven't scored for last three series for India, even for the last one year. There are some who have changed their hairstyle more than they have scored for India."
The former Indian captain admitted that the decision to quit had hurt him emotionally. :rotfl: :thumbsup:

"I thought a lot before reaching this decision. I have also thought about my plans for the next one year. If this committee had come three years earlier, the situation would have been slightly better for me. I didn't expect to be chopped from the Irani Trophy team. I was really hurt by this incident." :confused2: i thought Srikkanth was instrumental in getting him to resign :oops:

sivank

9th October 2008, 04:39 PM

'I was tired of being humiliated again and again' - Ganguly

Cricinfo staff

October 9, 2008

Sourav Ganguly, who will retire from international cricket after the Australian series, has said he was tired of the constant humiliation and at being singled out for scrutiny. He has also issued a sharply worded criticism of his team-mates, saying some "have changed their hairstyle more than they have scored".

"I am bound to feel bad. I had to fight with my heart," he told Aajkal, a Bengali daily. "If there is a gun to your head all the time, how long can you bear this? After all, I have played 400 matches for India. I have played badly in only one series. Yet every Tom, Dick and Harry is playing in the team."

Ganguly made an impressive return to international cricket after losing his captaincy, and his place in the side, in early 2006. "Everything is possible in Indian cricket," he said. When Greg (Chappell) chopped me, TP Singh (of Railways and now with the ICL) was my replacement. Where is he now?"

Asked what hurt more, being dropped by Chappell or being excluded from the Irani Trophy squad this year, Ganguly said: "Definitely the Irani Trophy. I couldn't imagine being dropped for that. That's when I said, not again.

"I thought a lot before reaching this decision. I have also thought about my plans for the next one year. If this (selection) committee had come three years earlier, the situation would have been slightly better for me.
"I was tired of being humiliated again and again. I don't want to play cricket at the mercy of others

ThalaNass

9th October 2008, 08:44 PM

Will miss DADA for sure :( :cry2:

thamizhvaanan

9th October 2008, 10:11 PM

Well, all my emotional peelings for Ganguly has drained out after this toxic interview :evil:

Sourav Ganguly, who will retire from international cricket after the Australian series, has said he was tired of the constant humiliation and at being singled out for scrutiny.

What does he expect? unconditional visitor's pass in all the tours? :huh: For a great period in 2004 and 2005 his captaincy was the only license for him to stay in the team. He often played like a millionaire, captained brillianty, managed to mask his underperformance with team's victory. When team's victorious tide ebbed out everyone came to know that he was swimming naked.

One thing that had irked me throughout his career was that he was always reckless. No effort to field unless the ball comes at him, give up chase within the infield, never steals singles, NEVER ran for his partner (poor sachin :( ) , whenever possible strand ur partner in the middle of the pitch by sending him back.

The only time he managed to show some interest in improvement in all these facets is whenever he was pushed to the wall and questioned. I feel he should have been dropped more often and made to work harder to be in Indian team... he would have been a much better player for Team India :twisted:

villan007

10th October 2008, 02:03 AM

thalaivaa nee SL series mudinjodane retire aayirkalam... evan evan advice panrathunu ilama pochu :bow:

wrap07

10th October 2008, 10:24 AM

:lol: sourav at his sarcastic best. "Some have changed their hairstyle more number of times than the number of runs they have scored"

:rotfl: :rotfl:

//villa, picture super //

viraajan

10th October 2008, 11:04 AM

"Constant humiliation pushed me towards retirement" - Sourav

:cry2:

directhit

10th October 2008, 03:54 PM

http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2008/oct/10veng.htm

Ganguly will get an answer after Aus series: Vengsarkar

"I won't answer him now, as this is not the right time, because India are in the middle of a Test series and it might affect the focus of the team," Vengsarkar said on Friday.

"But I will definitely answer him after the series is over. He will get more than what he has asked for," he added.

Movie Cop

13th October 2008, 09:30 AM

There is no better timing for Ganguly to announce his retirement than now! The moment Ganguly was dropped from the Irani trophy squad, I knew his Test career is close to over, if not over. But I'm glad that the new selection committee (headed by Srikanth) at least gave Ganguly one last opportunity to leave the game on a high note against the best team in the world. Also, I believe, Ganguly would have hastened his decision to quit after being dropped from Irani trophy.

To me, although Ganguly may not be technically as good as the other three famed middle order, he more than made up for that with his poetic offside strokes. Even if you have 7 men on the off, he would still pick a gap with his silken/elegant drives! :thumbsup: Cover drives apart, he is a very good player of spin. The sight of Ganguly dancing down the track to take on the spinners with sheer timing than power is a sight to behold! The other biggest strength for Ganguly is his mental strength. He would easily go down as one of the finest Indian captains.

My favourite Ganguly Test knocks are his elegant century in the Lords Test of the '96 engand tour. After being bundled out by the English seamers in Edgbaston, the morale of the Indian batsmen was extremely low. That was the series where Navjot Siddhu unceremoniously left England after being dropped from the playing X1 by Azhar (who himself had a nightmarish outing with the bat :( ). There was no better time in the series for a batsman to step up and lead the batting order... My second favourite innings is his 144 against aus in the 2003-04 series opener at Gabba! To me, that aggressive knock from Ganguly was like taking the "bull on it's horns" and set the tone for the rest of the series! His match winning 98* against SL at Kandy was also brilliant to thwart Murali factor duing the fourth innings.

A big :notworthy: to Ganguly for his contribution to Indian cricket! 8-)

selvakumar

13th October 2008, 06:07 PM

[tscii:055890628f]Just one last thing lads… கங்குலி, ICL சில குறிப்புகள்

தனிப்பட்ட முறையில் உங்களுக்கு பிடித்திருக்கலாம் அல்லது
சுத்தமாய் பிடிக்காமல் போய் இருக்கலாம். ஆனால் இந்திய கிரிக்கெட்டில் தவிர்க்க முடியாத ஆட்டக்காரர் மற்றும் கேப்டன்களில் கங்குலியை புறந்தள்ளி விட்டு எவரும் பேசிவிட முடியாது. கடந்த சில மாதங்களாகவே எப்போது வேண்டுமானாலும் நிகழலாம் என்று எதிர்பார்க்கப் பட்டதுதான் என்றாலும் அறிவிப்பை வெளியிட்ட போது ஒரு கணம் இந்திய ரசிகர்கள் அதிர்ந்துதான் போனார்கள்.

சற்றே மெல்லிய வருத்தத்தையும் கிளப்பியது எனக்குள். ஃபிப்ரவரியில் வலிந்து எப்படியும் நான் 2011 வோர்ல்டு கப் விளையாடப் போவதில்லை, இன்னும் 8 மாதங்களுக்காவது நான் ஒரு நாள் போட்டிகளில் விளையாட விரும்புகின்றேன் என்று சொன்ன பின்பும் இவருக்கான வாய்ப்புகள் ஏனோ மறுக்கப்பட்டே வந்தது. இறுதியாக இரானி கோப்பை போட்டிக்குக் கூட தனக்கு மறுக்கப்பட்ட அனுமதி அவரை இந்த முடிவுக்கு தள்ளியிருக்கிறது.

இது உணர்ச்சி வசப்பட்ட முடிவோ அல்லது சாதக பாதகங்களை அலசி எடுத்த முடிவோ, எதுவாயினும் இனி கங்குலியின் ஆட்டத்தை IPL ல் மட்டுமே (அதுவும் கொஞ்ச நாளைக்கு) பார்க்க வேண்டும் எனும் போது ஒரு கிரிக்கெட் ரசிகனாக இது என்னைப் போன்றோருக்கு மிகப் பெரும் சோகமே. அட என்னய்யா அதான் 20 - 20 டொமஸ்டிக் மேட்சஸ்ல எல்லாம் இன்னும் கொஞ்ச நாளைக்கு ஆடுவார் இல்லை, அப்புறம் எதுக்கு இப்படி புலம்பறீங்க என்று கேட்கலாம். 20 ஓவர் மேட்சுல 5 அல்லது 6 ஓவர் காட்டு அடி அடிக்க பார்ப்பது எல்லாம் 50 ஓவர் அல்லது டெஸ்ட் மேட்சில் நின்று ஆடுவதற்கு அருகில் கூட வர முடியாதுங்க. அழகான ஆட்ட நுணுக்கங்களை இதில் ரசிக்க முடியாது.

ஒரு ப்ளேயராய் மட்டுமல்லாமல் ஒரு கேப்டனாய் இந்திய அணிக்கு அவர் செய்திருக்கும் பணிகள் பலப்பல. அவரது கேப்டன்ஸியில் சில தவறுகள் இருப்பதாய் சேப்பலால் சில காலம் சர்ச்சைக்குள்ளாக்கப் பட்டாலும், அவரது பணிகளை மறந்து விட முடியாது. யுவராஜ் சிங், கைஃப், சேவாக், ஜாஹீர், நெஹ்ரா, உள்ளிட்ட பலரை வளர்த்தெடுத்த பெருமை அவரைச் சேரும்.

நியோ ஸ்போர்ட்ஸ் சேனல் வைத்திருப்பதில் ஒரு வசதி. எப்போது ஆன் செய்தாலும் இந்தியா ஆடிய ஒரு பழைய மேட்சை அதில் பார்க்கலாம். அய்யோ பொழுது போக வில்லையே என்று கத்த வேண்டிய ஒரு சூழல் இருக்காது. அப்படி பல பழைய மேட்சுகளைப் பார்க்கையில் உள்ளுக்குள்ளிருந்து ஆச்சர்யம் பொங்குவதுண்டு. இப்போது இருக்கும் இந்திய அணியின் பேட்டிங் வரிசையுடன் மனதுக்குள் ஒப்பிட்டுப் பார்த்து, அடப்பாவிகளா இவ்வளவு மோசமா எல்லாம் லைன் - அப் வைத்திருந்தோமா என்று கூவத் தோன்றும்.

சஞ்சய் பாங்கர், சிவ்சுந்தர் தாஸ், ஆகாஷ் சோப்ரா, பதானி, பர்தீவ் படேல், தினேஷ் மோங்கியா, சோதி, ரெய்னா…. என்று இவரது காலத்தில்தான் கணக்கிலடங்கா பரிசோதனைகள் மேற்கொள்ளப் பட்டன. சரியான பேட்ஸ்மேன் / கீப்பர் இல்லாமல் எத்தனையோ மேட்சுகள் மயிரிழையில் வெற்றி வாய்ப்புகளை இழந்திருக்கின்றன. அடித்துச் சொல்வேன் இப்போதிருக்கும் இந்திய அணியின் ஒரு மிகப் பெரிய பலம் ஒரு நல்ல பேட்ஸ்மேன் கீப்பராய் வாய்த்திருப்பது.

அசாருதீனின் காலகட்டங்களில் இருந்தது போன்று 5 பேட்ஸ்மேன், 5 பௌலர், 1 கீப்பர். இந்த கடைசி 6 பேரும் டெய்லேண்டர்கள்,என்ற நிலையை மாற்றியமைக்க இவர் செய்த பரிசோதனை முயற்சிகள் ஏராளம். டிராவிட்டையே கீப்பராய் வைத்து தாக்கு பிடிக்க பார்த்தது எல்லாமெ அதன் ஓர் அங்கம்தான். லார்ட்ஸ் மைதானத்தில் ஃப்ளிண்ட்ஆஃபுக்கு பதிலடி கொடுத்த சட்டை சுழற்றலை அவ்வளவு எளிதில் எவரும் மறந்து விட முடியாது. ஒன் மேன் ஷோ என்பதை ஒரு மேட்சில் நாம் பார்த்திருப்போம். டோரோண்டோவில் ஒட்டு மொத்த இந்திய அணியையும் ஒன் மேன் ஷோ நடத்தி கோப்பையை பெற்று தந்ததை ஒரு மைல்கல்லாய் இவரது கிரிக்கெட் வாழ்வில் சொல்லலாம்.

புள்ளி விவரங்கள், சதவீதங்கள், விகிதாச்சாரங்கள் ஆகியவற்றை எல்லாம் தெளிவாக இன்னும் அதிகமாகவே cricinfo வில் பார்க்கலாம் எனும் போது இந்த சின்ன சின்ன விவரங்கள் தேவையில்லைதான். இருப்பினும் இது ஒரு வசதி எதிரில் ஆள் இருப்பவர் போல அது சூப்பர் இல்லை, இது கலக்கல் இலை என்று மனதார பேசுவது போல் ஒரு சௌகர்யமான சவெளிப்பாடு. 4 பேரு சேர்ந்து கிரிக்கெட் பார்க்கும் போது புள்ளி விவரமோ, பழைய மேட்சுகளை பற்றிய நினைவு கூர்தலோ இல்லாமல் ஒரு இன்னிங்ஸை பார்த்து விடச்சொல்லுங்கள் பார்ப்போம். அடப் போங்க சார் அப்படி இல்லைன்னா அப்புறம் எதுக்கு அந்தக் கருமத்தைப் பார்க்கணும்.

ஒரு சிலரின் ஓய்வு பெறல்கள் மட்டுமே நமக்குள் திடுக்கிடும் உணடர்வுக்ளை ஏற்படுத்துகின்றன. மற்றவைகளெல்லாம் சாதாரண சம்பவங்களாய் இடம் காணாமல் ஓடி விடுகின்றன.

2003-2004 இப்போது நடப்பதைப் போன்ற அதே பார்டர் - கவாஸ்கர் டிராஃபி ஆஸ்திரேலியாவை அதன் மண்ணிலேயே பயம் கொள்ள வைத்த சீரிஸ். ஆஸ்திரேலியாவின் சிறந்த கேப்டன் என்று புகழப்பட்ட ஸ்டீவ் வாகின் கடைசி போட்டி. தன் காலத்தில் 73% க்கு மேல் வெற்றி சதவிகிதத்தை வைத்திருந்த மனிதர் தனது கடைசி சீரிஸை படு மோசமான முறையில் தோற்று விடக் கூடாதே என்று மிகவும் பிரயத்தனப் பட வேண்டியதாய் போயிற்று. அந்த மேட்சில் கங்குலி ஆஸ்திரேலியாவிற்கு ஃபாலோ ஆன் கொடுத்திருந்தால் நன்றாக இருந்திருக்குமே என்று அப்போது நினைத்ததுண்டு. (பவுலரைப் பத்தி எல்லாம் யாரு கவலைப்பட்டா? )அந்தப் போட்டிக்குப் பிறகு ஸ்டீவ் வாகின் கம்பீரமான, மரியாதைகளுடன் கூடிய ஓய்வு பெறல்…

இதுதான் உங்களது கடைசி கேள்வியாயிருந்தால் உங்களுக்கு நான் ஒன்று சொல்ல விரும்புகின்றேன் நண்பர்களே, இத்துடன் நான் ஓய்வு பெறுகிறேன் என்று சொல்லி விட்டு உலகக் கோப்பை தொடருடன் வெளியேறிய பிரெய்ன் லாராவின் ஓய்வு….

பாப் உல்மரின் கொலைக்குப் பின்பு பல்வேறு சர்ச்சைகளில் அடிபட்டு, இருந்தாலும் சக மற்றும் எதிர்நாட்டு வீரர்களிடம் பெரும் மதிப்பைப் பெற்று, மைதானத்தை விட்டு கண்ணீருடன் வெளியேறிய இன்சமாம் உல் ஹக்….

இப்படி ஒரு சிலரின் ஓய்வு பெறல் மட்டும் நம் மனதில் அப்படியே தங்கி விடுகின்றது. நானும் காத்திருக்கிறேன் கங்குலிக்கான அந்த நாளுக்காக. நடுவில் அதிசயங்கள் எதுவும் நிகழாமலிருந்தால் இன்றிலிருந்து சரியாய் ஒரு மாதம் கழித்து நவம்பர் 10 ஆம் தேதி பிரியத்துக்குரிய ஒரு விளையாட்டு வீரனை மரியாதையுடன் அனுப்பி வைக்கும் அந்த நாளுக்காக. ஒன்றுமட்டும் நிச்சயம், அன்று போட்டியை டீவியிலும் நேரடியாகவும் பார்க்கும் பெரும்பாலானோர், ஆட்டம் முடிந்து முதல் ஆளாய் கங்குலி மைதானத்தை விட்டு வெளியே வரும் போது தன்னையுமறியாமல் எழுந்து நின்று கைதட்டுவார்கள். அவற்றில் ஒன்று நிச்சயம் என்னுடையதாயும் இருக்கும்.

http://blog.nandhaonline.com/?p=70[/tscii:055890628f]

viraajan

13th October 2008, 06:23 PM

I thought I would see Sachin-Gang partnership today. But :cry2:

I wish to see these legends bat together in any of the tests in this series...

Best partners :)

Sourav

17th October 2008, 06:51 AM

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/DM/DINAMALAR/2008/10/17/Article//111/17_10_2008_111_003.jpg

sivank

17th October 2008, 06:08 PM

very good article sourav. it is really true what dhanraj says

sivank

18th October 2008, 06:21 PM

Here is again from cricinfo:

Here's Ganguly: " The last session was very vital. Mishra has done well in domestic cricket. It really lifts the team spirit. Kumble has done that for so many years and it's nice to see youngsters step up. This will be my last series, I will not reconsider coming back (smiles). It's been a fantastic batting quartet. Our overseas performances have improved over the last few years. I knew I wasn't going to be selected any more."

ajithfederer

18th October 2008, 06:28 PM

Another gritty knock from Sourav, :clap: :clap: :clap:

Vivasaayi

18th October 2008, 06:29 PM

Another gritty knock from Sourav, :clap: :clap: :clap:

welcome back :D

ajithfederer

18th October 2008, 06:31 PM

Dig// Vandhutein sir :D
end dig///

Another gritty knock from Sourav, :clap: :clap: :clap:

welcome back :D

Sourav

18th October 2008, 06:49 PM

GANGULY DETERMINED TO LEAVE ON HIGH

Sourav Ganguly has revealed it was his determination to go out on high which helped him achieve a century against Australia on Saturday.

Ganguly, who has announced he will retire at the end of the series, hit a carefully constructed 102 on day two of the second Test to help India to a position of strength.

The 36-year-old reached his 16th Test century - and second against Australia - with a boundary off Cameron White and celebrated with exuberance.

"It was nice to get a hundred," Ganguly said. "It was very important; this is an important series for me because it's my last one.

"I've been focusing on giving my everything for one last time."

Ganguly admitted the century was even more pleasing as it came against the world's best side.

"I've always enjoyed the game, but perhaps I enjoy it a lot more in this series," he continued.

"That's probably because I know I won't be selected any more and will not have to depend on anyone to be selected.

"It's been fun and we are playing the best team in the world. Getting runs against them is very satisfying."

With his century, Ganguly struck a blow for the senior players in the side, all of whom have been under tremendous pressure to quit international cricket.

Ganguly acknowledged his departure from the scene would mark a changing of the guard in Indian cricket.

"It is the end of an era for Indian cricket. The four of us (Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman the others) have batted for India for the last 13 years," he said.

"We've all played 100 Test matches each, Laxman being the exception although he needs only two more to get there.

"I don't think you would get four players who have played 100 Test matches playing together in a team ever.

"Sachin, Rahul and VVS are such quality players. The number of important knocks they have played for their country has been fantastic.

"More importantly, many of them have been away from home and it has directly contributed to the huge improvement in our performance overseas in the last seven or eight years.

"It's been a fantastic batting quartet and I hope when the new players come in they do just as well."

Ganguly's heroics helped India reach 469 in their opening innings before Test debutant Amit Mishra struck twice with the ball as Australia stumbled to 102 for four in reply.

That puts India in a solid position heading into day three and Ganguly is hoping it can also set the foundations for a series win.

"It was a good session for us, the last wicket (of Michael Clarke) was very vital," the former captain said.

"He (Amit Mishra) looks all right and he's been getting a lot of wickets in domestic cricket.

"It's good to see him get an opportunity, although it was because of Anil's (Kumble) injury. It's good to see him do so well.

"The last time we won here was in 2001 when I was captain. We are in a good position in this Test and if we can get a victory here and another in the next two it would be great."
[/b]

thamizhvaanan

18th October 2008, 06:52 PM

before Test debutant Amit Mishra struck twice with the ball as Australia stumbled to 102 for four in reply.
:shock: Mishra got another wicket?? Wow.. till now I was thinking OZs are just 3 down. I saw the final over, just after 3 balls i switched off the television :oops:

Sourav

18th October 2008, 06:56 PM

villan007

18th October 2008, 09:36 PM

thalaivaaa.. pinriyeee :bow:

selvakumar

18th October 2008, 10:47 PM

thalaivaaa.. pinriyeee :bow:
Yup ! :thumbsup: HE is more focused and determined ! Retire aagurathukkulla erangi vanthu adikkira six ah konjam jaasthi kattuna super ah irukkum :D

Sourav

19th October 2008, 05:47 AM

No change in Ganguly's retirement plan

A 16th Test century in Mohali won't change Sourav Ganguly's plans to retire after the India-Australia Tests, he said on Saturday. Ganguly's 102 helped India to a formidable 469 on the second day of the second Test, but the innings hasn't forced a rethink for the former India captain.

"I think it's the right decision and I have no regrets," Ganguly said. "I just don't want to play any more, to be honest. I've been playing well for the last two years.

Ganguly has had a consistent run since returning to the team in December 2006, but was dropped from the Rest of India squad - primarily consisting of Test regulars - after a poor series in Sri Lanka. Ganguly, however, found a place in the Test squad picked by a new set of selectors and surprised all by announcing his retirement before the first Test in Bangalore.

"Except for the Sri Lanka series, I've had an outstanding two years," he said. "But it's just that I feel the time has come to go."

He said he was pleased with his effort in Mohali - Ganguly walked in at 163 for 4 and shared century stands with Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. "I'm just happy to get runs," he said. "I still hopefully have five innings to go [before retirement]. I will try to do well and finish off well.

"I've tried to enjoy every single day because every day will be the last," he said. "I'm trying to do my best."

During his innings, Ganguly became the fourth Indian batsman to go past 7000 Test runs. Ganguly has 11,363 ODI runs at an average over 40 - similar to that in Tests - but he said it's the performance in the five-day format that would be remembered in spite of the emergence of Twenty20.

"You will be remembered in what you have done in test matches. First Test matches, then one-day cricket," he said. "When you talk about great players, you talk about a [Sunil] Gavaskar or [Steve] Waugh or Tendulkar or [Ricky] Ponting. It's because of their performances in Test matches. Not what they do in Twenty20."

India began the series with question marks over the future of their senior players, but Ganguly felt performance, and not age, should be considered. "It's going to be an individual decision for everyone. Age is no bar," he said. "It's the runs you get and people like [VVS] Laxman, Sachin and Rahul [Dravid] have been scoring runs. They should be judged on their performance."

crajkumar_be

21st October 2008, 02:18 PM

:(
Royal Bengal Tiger, take a bow....

thamizhvaanan

23rd October 2008, 11:10 PM

[tscii:b3f22cb9bc]The Selfish Patriot

The turbulent Sourav Ganguly may have been the least gifted of the Fab Four but, in some ways, his quirks took him the furthest. SURESH MENON assesses a complicated legacy

WE DO NOT speak ill of the dead or the recently retired; in fact we swing the other way and call them ‘great’ without embarrassment. Ever since he announced his retirement, Sourav Ganguly has been elevated to greatness, but the fact is he gained by association. If Sachin Tendulkar had to be brought down a couple of notches to fit him into the so-called ‘Fab Four’ group, then Ganguly had to be pushed up a couple to settle alongside Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman.

Ganguly was not a great player, but he was a significant one in the context of Indian cricket as its most successful Test captain. Great players are not necessarily significant, nor significant players necessarily great. Barry Richards is an example of the former while Arjuna Ranatunga is an obvious example of the latter.

In the early 1990s, two players emerged from contrasting backgrounds. In Kolkata, Ganguly, born in the lap of luxury (even the silver spoon in his mouth was actually gold) began to serve notice. Across the country in Mumbai, born the same year, Vinod Kambli lived in a slum, struggled for existence and was beginning to discover that cricket could be a way out of the poverty. What they had in common was the ability to bat left-handed.

At that stage, any self-respecting sociologist would have told you who would be the bigger success — Kambli — arguing, “The slum boy has the greater hunger, more desperation and the crying need to climb out of his circumstances; the rich lad is a spoilt brat, too used to having everything drop into his lap and will disappear very soon.”

Yet, while Kambli is virtually forgotten today (despite making double centuries in successive Tests, he is best known as Tendulkar’s school friend), Ganguly, who made his Test debut three seasons later, played over 100 Tests and finished as one of the finest batsmen ever in one-day cricket. And, surprisingly, for one with a reputation for selfishness and inability to see beyond the tip of his Mercedes, a captain successful both statistically and psychologically.

Such contradictions have been a guiding force in Ganguly’s life. It is a Ganguly trait to overturn comfortable, preconceived notions of what ought to be. He took the clichés of the sport and reshaped them. If cricket was a gentleman’s game, he delighted in, metaphorically, drawing a false beard on its face or tweaking its nose. If turning the other cheek was expected of those who were slapped, he was happy to show the other cheek, but not the one on his face.

An earlier captain, Sunil Gavaskar, was quick to react to anything he perceived as a national insult. He had risen to the top of the Englishman’s game and, although born nearly two years after Independence, carried some of the baggage of colonialism. He refused an MCC membership after a gatekeeper at Lord’s did not recognise him. It was the typical overreaction of someone from a country that was yet to attain the maturity and confidence of those who dine at the high table in the comity of nations.

It was another generation before an Indian captain began to play the psychological games that upset the opposition equally. By the time Ganguly took over, India had thrown in its lot with the liberalised, global economy. India was now a country that saw itself as an emerging Superpower, and there was little need to shout from the rooftops.

GANGULY WAS equally quick to come to his country’s defence, but the wells of his nationalism were filled by a different source. It was said of Charles de Gaulle, the mid-20th century French President, that he saw no difference between himself and his country. Ganguly’s temperament is similar. When you said ‘India’, he heard ‘Ganguly’, and vice-versa. If you insulted him, you insulted the country. It takes a peculiar frame of mind to arrive at this conclusion, and Ganguly, for all the simplicity of his batting, was not a simple man.

His patriotism was an extension of his selfishness, but it worked for him as captain and helped him build a team that took pride in playing for the country. That combination of pride and pelf meant he was the ideal candidate to take over as captain once the matchfixing scandal hit Indian cricket. It was a difficult time, and the wrong man in that position might have turned away forever the millions of Indian fans who made up the backbone of the international game. Ganguly has not been given the credit for steadying the Indian ship after that scandal. Had he, too, been involved in the scandal, Indian cricket might never have recovered, and it would have had neither the money nor the power it wields today.

Ganguly had a traumatic first tour of Australia in 1991 under Mohammad Azharuddin. He was just 19, he was rich and spoilt, and he failed to get much sympathy from the captain, who lacked the equipment to understand players who were temperamentally and emotionally different from normal.

Ganguly refused to kowtow to the senior players, carry their bags or attempt the range of helpful activities that make junior players popular with their seniors. He was not being disrespectful, merely asserting that respect cannot be forced, and that the senior-junior divide was an artificial one anyway.

IN INDIAN teams, hierarchy was important, and it was brave of Ganguly to buck the trend. The word spreads and such men are quickly discarded; or made leaders themselves. Ganguly was both discarded — he was in the wilderness for four years — and made leader. But that tour shaped him.

Ganguly drew from the trauma a lesson that he was to carry all his life. “If I ever become captain,” he told himself, “I will not allow the youngsters to flounder.” This formed the core of his philosophy as captain, and led to a second self-respect movement in the team, following the one led by Tiger Pataudi in the 1960s. Somewhere between Tiger’s reign and Ganguly’s, India had become a team too easily satisfied, too easily intimidated by the opposition, and perhaps a little too conscious of being nice guys with winning smiles rather than tough competitors who gave no quarter. Ganguly’s youngsters, knowing they had his unstinted support, rallied behind him much as Tiger’s team had done.

“When they make you captain,” Tiger had once said, “there will be a few seniors who will always resent it. Your best bet is to rally the youngsters.” In Ganguly’s case, there was the memory of the Australian tour to spur him into supporting the youngsters. He stood as a bulwark against the slings and arrows of outrageous selectorial fancies. Harbhajan Singh grew into a bowler of international class under Ganguly after an initial period of uncertainty. Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan were given the impetus to become match-winners. Confidence was the name of the game, and when he was on song as batsman and captain, Ganguly had enough of it himself to distribute the overflow among teammates.

As Ganguly built his team, he injected it with a large dose of self-belief. He deliberately got under the skin of the opposition. He kept the Australian captain, Steve Waugh, waiting at the toss, he showed Andrew Flintoff what he could do with his shirt off on the balcony at Lord’s after the England player’s similar performance in India. But the mindset that made him protective of the younger players also made him insecure about the seniors. The contradictions in his character surfaced often. Just as you thought that here, finally, was an Indian captain who had overcome parochialism and thought in national terms, he would become provincial and play one group against the other. Unlike his successors, Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble, Ganguly had only one ex-captain, Tendulkar, in his team, and he knew that the Mumbai player was not interested in leading the side. But, he felt threatened by the likes of Javagal Srinath, an intelligent man who kept his own counsel.

Part of this insecurity stemmed from the knowledge that, of the Fab Four, he was the least distinguished batsman. And when his form dipped, so did his man-management skills. The statesman-captain then became a politician-captain, undoing much of his own good work. The remarkable thing about Ganguly the captain was that he was both Brahma and Shiva — creator and destroyer — of team spirit.

Yet, for five years from November 2000, when he first led, he was responsible for a golden run in Indian cricket. He led in 49 Tests, winning 21 and losing 13. By way of comparison, Tiger Pataudi, often considered the finest Indian captain, led in 40, won nine and lost 19 — all his three wins abroad came in one 1968 series in New Zealand.

In the entire 1990s, India won just one Test abroad. Under Ganguly, they won 11 — more than a third of all Tests won abroad by India. Those who carp that this includes six wins in Bangladesh and Zimbabwe must remember there were also victories in England, Australia, the West Indies, Sri Lanka and India’s first-ever win in Pakistan too.

Ganguly took the unfancied India to the final of the 2003 World Cup, having two years earlier authored one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Test cricket, winning a three-match series after losing the first Test at home, against Australia.

WHEN HE led the team to Australia in 2003-04, he was widely expected to crumble against the fast bowlers. By now, his dislike for the short-pitched delivery was widely known, as were his limitations on the leg side. Teammate Rahul Dravid said that only God played more beautifully on the off side, but there were no photographs of God playing a cover drive. On Earth, Ganguly was the best, and that was good enough. He knew there would be no easy pickings in Australia or anywhere else. He had neither Tendulkar’s all-round skill nor Laxman’s ability to convert anything into a strength, with wrists that virtually sang.

In the first Test at Brisbane, Ganguly made a combative 144 that set the tone for the series, one that India should have won, and one where Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman made highest scores of 241, 233 and 178 respectively. After Virender Sehwag’s 195 in Melbourne (ironically, India scored fast enough to give Australia time to win), pundits were moved to write that this might be the best 1 to 6 batting order in the history of the game (the other opener, Akash Chopra, was reviled for following team instructions: hang on as long as possible to make it easier for the middle order). Then came victory in Pakistan, losses at home against South Africa, and the end of coach John Wright’s reign. Wright and Ganguly had struck up a partnership — according to reports, Ganguly did what he wanted, and Wright did what Ganguly wanted. It was a happy marriage.

And then came Greg Chappell. Ironically, it was to Chappell that Ganguly had turned in Australia, making a private visit to prepare for the series, and it was to Chappell that he gave credit for his Brisbane century. But things unravelled pretty quickly, culminating in the wide publicity given to Chappell’s views on the captain in an email and sundry text messages to carefully chosen journalists who believed that indiscretion was the better part of valour.

Much was made of Chappell’s divisive influence on the team. But, in seven decades of international cricket, Indians have displayed a gift for divisiveness without outside help. On the 1936 tour of England, Baqa Jilani played a Test as reward for insulting CK Nayudu at the breakfast table. The captain was the anti-Nayudu Maharajkumar Vizianagram. And so on down the years. Tiger Pataudi had his reservations about Salim Durrani and Budhi Kunderan, among others. When India won the World Cup in 1983, the two stars, Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar, were barely on speaking terms. In the 1990s, Sachin Tendulkar suspected Mohammad Azharuddin of various shenanigans and made no secret of it. And each star pulled with him various juniors. Our cricket teams have always been fine examples of unity in divisiveness.

Chappell advised Ganguly to give up captaincy. He had serious misgivings about India’s fielding and about the attitude of the seniors towards fielding. This, too, was part of what he had inherited. The poet said, “As for living, our servants can do that for us.” Substitute ‘fielding’ for ‘living’, and you have the Indian attitude.

It was an attitude Ganguly both contributed to and fought against in his contradictory way. He was hardly a sterling example as a fielder, nor as a runner between the wickets, but he insisted on a regimen for the younger players, who were not yet as far gone as he was. Still, the pressure was mounting. When he was finally, and inevitably, removed from captaincy, he might even have been relieved.

Yet his legacy will be interesting. Neither Rahul Dravid nor Anil Kumble are Ganguly clones — we will have to look into the future to see the new Ganguly. Such a captain would be a team-builder, a self-confident manipulator of emotions, a taker of chances, a shirt-waver, metaphorically if not literally. That pretty much sums up captainin- waiting Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Perhaps it is from the Dhoni generation that we will see the full impact of the Ganguly legacy.

In his second coming as batsman, Ganguly made nearly 2,000 runs since the beginning of 2007, including a double century against Pakistan. It was that contradiction working again. Given up for dead, he didn’t merely flex his thumb to show he was not, but got up and danced and screamed. Even those who had become used to Ganguly’s contradictions were surprised.

In the early part of his career, I had written that Ganguly had the potential to finish as the country’s finest lefthanded batsman.

When we met later, he suggested, half-jokingly, that he was aiming higher: how about the best-ever, left or right? But, already, his contemporaries Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid had begun to pull ahead, and this was not even an academic possibility.

The manner of Ganguly’s farewell — another move that caught everyone by surprise — is bound to lead to all manner of speculation. He was the most vulnerable of the seniors; now he is in the strongest position amongst them, having told the Board where he got off. Objectively speaking, it would make sense to shake his hand after the second Test and pick his replacement so the newcomer has at least a couple of Tests to prepare for a long run, and for the series to follow, against England and Pakistan.

But, like Macbeth murdered sleep, Ganguly murdered objectivity long ago. His retirement is no longer a straightforward cricketing issue now, but an emotional one involving some of the most emotional fans, who believe their hero can do no wrong. Most likely, Ganguly will travel around the country, playing all four tests no matter what, and have a series of farewells, like an ageing rock star.

WHERE DID Ganguly the batsman fall short? The Cricinfo statistician gives us a clue. In his first 30 Tests, Ganguly averaged over 50, after beginning with centuries in successive Tests in England. In his last 59 Tests (before the current series), he averaged 42, which is nearly his career average. In between, over the next 20 Tests, his average fell to 27 in a two-year period beginning November 1999. In this phase, he played most of his Tests abroad and had yet to work out the solution to his weakness against pace. Captains simply placed two gullies to block his most productive stroke, and fast bowlers aimed at his ribcage, forcing him into wild contortions.

Ganguly never effectively overcame the problem, but with wickets all over the world gradually getting slower, and the batsman disciplining himself to play at fewer deliveries, the problem faded into the background. But the damage had been done and, well as he shone in one-day cricket, Ganguly was destined to be the fourth of the Fab Four.

In the shorter game, however, Ganguly had few peers. Opening the batting against bowlers unlikely to bowl flat out gave him the opportunity to score quickly and score many. Of those who have scored over 10,000, only Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar average better than Ganguly’s 41. He has 22 centuries, besides. And, with Tendulkar, he formed one of the best opening partnerships in the game.

IT IS possible that history will be kinder to Ganguly than his contemporaries. Yet, despite his 17 years in international cricket, 12 as a Test player, one nagging thought cannot be easily ignored. That perhaps he was lucky to have played for as long as he did. He might not have been picked after that initial Australia fiasco, and he might not have made it past the two-year dip had he not been East Zone’s leading player and enjoyed the support of the powers that be. That he stuck it out is remarkable, but there is no telling how other left-handers — Kambli and, later, Sadagopan Ramesh — might have done with similar backing.

If Ganguly had been told in 1996 that he would play 100 Tests, he might not have believed it; if he had been told that he would be spoken of in the same breath as Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman, he might not have believed it. If he had been told that he would lead India, perhaps he would have believed that, for he was a quick learner and knew he could play the gaps between the administrators with as much grace as he could between point and mid off.

In the end, however, all careers must be judged by the results — individual as well as team. And Ganguly’s figures fall short only in comparison to those of his illustrious contemporaries. Details have a way of melting away, leaving only the figures, and the figures will show that Ganguly had a better career average than some of India’s finest middle order batsmen — Dilip Sardesai, Ajit Wadekar, ML Jaisimha, Tiger Pataudi, Vijay Manjrekar, Salim Durrani, Lala Amarnath. He will finish in a group that includes Gundappa Vishwanath, Dilip Vengsarkar, Mohinder Amarnath and Polly Umrigar — which is not a bad place to be, statistically.

One of sport’s most pathetic figures is the talented player whose record does not match his talent. By the same token, one of its most inspiring has to be the player who plays above himself, making a mockery of his limitations. Sourav Ganguly fell short of greatness, certainly; but he will be remembered for — to use boxing terminology — regularly fighting above his weight.

Menon is a Bangalore-based writer who has reported on the game from all over the cricket-playing world
From Tehelka Magazine, Vol 5, Issue 42, Dated Oct 25, 2008[/tscii:b3f22cb9bc]

http://tehelka.com/story_main40.asp?filename=hub251008the_selfish.asp

P_R

26th October 2008, 01:27 PM

hahahaha (http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=2u4UBjntIEA&feature=related) :lol:

payalsh

27th October 2008, 12:26 PM

[tscii:fe51b3fa09]Hi

Great News for Dada fans. Dada has been signed as a Brand Ambassador for Vyke – a leading Voip service provider.

Vyke has come with an exciting offer for Dada fans on this Diwali - Win a dinner-date with cricket legend Sourav Ganguly for Diwali and get $ 50 credit, call home for free with Vyke! https://www.vyke.com/sourav-ganguly.jsf

All the best
[/tscii:fe51b3fa09]

Sourav

6th November 2008, 06:27 AM

Ravi Shasthri: India never lost any test matches wenever ganguly scored a century! :clap:

ajithfederer

7th November 2008, 01:25 AM

[tscii:5099d45f65]http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/377109.html

Indian cricket

People poisoned Chappell against me - Ganguly

Cricinfo staff

November 6, 2008

Sourav Ganguly: "The fact that I wasn't playing ODIs played a big part [in deciding to retire]. If I'd been playing in both forms of the game, perhaps I would've thought differently" © AFP

Sourav Ganguly has said he believes people outside the team poisoned Greg Chappell against him, leading to his removal from the captaincy and, for a while, from the team. Ganguly, who will bow out after the Nagpur Test against Australia, said he would not have been in the team for the current Test series against Australia if the "old selection committee had stayed" and that he would have "thought differently" about his retirement had he still been playing one-day cricket.

"The thing that hurt me the most, in my whole career, was that public email he [Chappell] sent - what was written in it and the tone in which it was written," he told the Indian Express. "It was very upsetting, and I found it strange because I didn't think we'd spent enough time together in the team for him to form such a strong opinion about me. I'm convinced that some people had poisoned him against me."

Asked whether they were people in the team, he said, "No, outside the team.'

The email was subsequently leaked to the media and Ganguly was out of the team till he staged a comeback late in 2006.

Chappell was appointed as coach with the backing of Ganguly, then India captain. "I'd discussed my batting with him a couple of times and he'd been very helpful. Most of the others wanted [Tom] Moody but I pushed for Chappell. You could say it was my biggest mistake, but I had the best for Indian cricket at heart. People joke with me that I was to blame for getting them stuck with him."

Ganguly suggested he might have continued for longer if he was still a part of India's ODI team. "I'm sure it's [retirement] never easy for anyone," he said. "But there were a lot of factors. I'd been left out of the Irani team, and I'd been out of the one-day side for a while. The fact that I wasn't playing ODIs played a big part. If I'd been playing in both forms of the game, perhaps I would've thought differently. I always wanted to leave on a high. There is no point being pushed around, dragging on for the last few years when nobody wants you."

Ganguly, however, said he still had "great respect" for Dilip Vengsarkar, the chairman of the previous selection committee. "If he hadn't been the chief selector, I would've never made a comeback in 2006 [in South Africa]. I may not have agreed with his dropping me from the one-day team and the Irani, but that's okay."

Ganguly felt his fielding was the reason that cost him a place in the ODI team; he was dropped for the CB Series in Australia earlier this year. "I did think I should have played one-day cricket for longer. I was included in only some 30-odd matches in the last three years. In no other country can a player who's scored 12,000 runs in his career be used so sparingly.

"I believe it had to do with my fielding, and because they wanted to build a team for the 2011 World Cup. I didn't think I'd be around for that long, so I knew my one-day career was over after being left out for the Australia series."

© Cricinfo[/tscii:5099d45f65]

Sourav

7th November 2008, 07:10 AM

[tscii:a47cfaa7a6]

Stage set for a Ganguly special
Bobilli Vijay Kumar | TNN

Nagpur: At exactly 3.45 pm, with 22 overs still to go, the languid partnership between Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman came to an abrupt end. By now, the VCA stadium, looking like a colossal but haunted spacecraft, had already yielded half of its light to shadows.
As the drinks trolley ambled towards the pitch, the yawns stopped midway and gave in to excited murmurs; but the stands, awash in their brand new blues, reds, greens and oranges, were depressingly empty. Maybe, cities don’t travel to their outskirts for Test cricket anymore.
Eventually, Sourav Ganguly stepped out of the players’ enclosure: he was fashionably late again. Luckily, it was the mandatory break and the clock was not ticking away; anyway, neither Steve Waugh was waiting nor Ricky Ponting frothing yet to spark up the moment.
Ganguly took a couple of slow and calculated steps and, like always, looked up towards the skies; he hunted out the sun, made eye contact. And blinked. Who knows this could be his last innings as India’s batsman; after all, there is no guarantee that there would be a second chance on this comatose pitch.
Suddenly, his walk picked up pace. Even from behind, he looked perkier than he has ever done; the muscles rippled in his half-sleeved shirt; the red bandana, symbolizing his fighting spirit, peeped out of his helmet. Clearly, he hasn’t stopped waking up early or working on his fitness yet. The empty stands miraculously found a voice and rah-rahed him.
Ganguly walked up to Tendulkar and exchanged a partners-in-crime smile. The masterblaster, already into his nineties, was trying his best to gift another debutant his wicket. Luckily, he failed in both his attempts, and after a painfully long battle, made it to his 40th Test century.
In the meantime, like always, Sourav tested the patience of the Aussies: he took his own time to study the pitch and to take guard. A slip, a silly-point and a forward shortleg surfaced in response. Luckily, it was the debutant spinner (Jason Krejza) on attack. Full ball, near his feet. No worries.
Next over, Mitchell Johnson attacked his leg side. But the track had already shown that it had neither pace nor bounce to lose any appetite for runs. Ganguly flicked it gingerly towards mid-wicket. Single. It wasn’t going to be the second most famous last match duck (assuming there is no second chance).
Three overs later, he flicks a full toss wide of mid on. He makes a mad dash for a single, even though an easy one was there for the taking; well, he has never been a great judge between the wickets. Eventually, he punched one through covers, thumped the new ball to the square-leg boundary and lofted the spinners high into the air.
There was, however, no sign really of the divine drive, or magical timing. But as the shadows lengthened, serenity descended over him; he looked at peace with his batting and the footwork seemed sublime too. He stayed unbeaten on 27 at stumps, with India well poised at 311 for five.
Tomorrow is, of course, another day. We will surely see all the strokes, through the off and on, that made him so special over the years. He has this uncanny ability to convert a wonderful platform into a grand occasion too; so don’t be surprised if he does exactly that and makes his farewell Test truly memorable.
bobilli.vijay@gmail.com

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOI&BaseHref=TOICH/2008/11/07&PageLabel=21&EntityId=Ar02102&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T[/tscii:a47cfaa7a6]

selvakumar

7th November 2008, 10:29 AM

Inga kolkata times la daily ganguly pathi oru news varuthu.. :shock:

Seems west bengal govt is going to make him the brand ambassador of the state since they feel he can influence the youth in the state with his enormous appeal among them.

littlemaster1982

7th November 2008, 10:30 AM

[tscii:502b255101]Konjam senti, but worth a read (http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/current/story/376791.html)

Losing my religion

Siddhartha Vaidyanathan

The events of the last few weeks are freaking me out. Anil Kumble has gone, Sourav Ganguly will go, and the other three may not be far behind. I assume there is a large group of cricket fans in their mid-to-late 20s, like me, who're grappling with the implications. This transition is messing with our minds.

Let me explain. For many of us cricket began in November 1989. Pictures of what went before are too hazy. I remember Allan Border lifting the World Cup but don't recall what I was doing then. So I can't connect Australia's World Cup win to my own life.

Sachin Tendulkar spoilt us. He commanded that we sit in front of the television sets. He ensured we got late with homework, he took care of our lunch-break discussions. He was not all that much older than us, and some of us naïve schoolboys thought we would achieve similar feats when we were 16. We got to 16 and continued to struggle with homework.

Then came Kumble and the two undertook a teenager-pampering mission not seen in India before. Tendlya walked on water, Jumbo parted seas. Our mothers were happy that we had nice heroes - down-to-earth prodigy and studious, brilliant bespectacled engineer. They were honest, industrious sportsmen, embodying the middle class.

When we thought we had seen everything, they reversed roles - Tendlya bowled a nerve-wracking last over in a semi-final, Jumbo played a match-winning hand with the bat. We were such spoilt brats that we pined for openers and fast bowlers. We cursed the side for not winning abroad. Such greed.

Economists would probably have predicted the bursting of the bubble. We had a deluge instead. One fine day at Lord's we got a glimpse of two new saviours: Delicate Timing and Immaculate Technique. Suddenly my group of eight friends was split into two camps. You were either with Ganguly or Dravid. In that period we even took Kumble and Tendulkar for granted. It was adolescent indulgence taken to the extreme.

When we played cricket on the streets, we had a number of choices. Left-handers were thrilled, defensive batsmen were happy, extravagant stroke-makers were delighted, the short boys didn't need to feel left out anymore, spectacles became cool, and freaky bowling actions were no more laughed at.

In such a state of bliss did we live our lives. We flunked important exams, shed tears over girls, crashed bikes, had drunken parties, choked on our first cigarettes, and felt utterly confused about our futures. But every time we felt low, we had an escape route. One glimpse of Dada stepping out of the crease, or Jam leaving a sharp bouncer alone, or Kumble firing in a yorker, was an uplifting experience. So what if India lost? Could any of those Pakistani batsmen even dream of batting like Sachin or VVS?

I remember Ganguly and Dravid soaring in Taunton, mainly because it was the day I got my board-exam results. And boy, did that provide some much-needed relief. I remember Tendulkar's blitz against Australia in Bombay because my dad, who thought cricket was a waste of time, sat through every ball. So connected were these cricketers to my growing up.

Now, after close to 20 years, my generation needs to brace itself for this exodus. Some of my friends, crazy as this sounds, have been talking of needing to revaluate their own careers. Others are realising they need to recalibrate their childhood definitions of cricket. "Part of me just died," said a college friend who was the kind of extreme cricket buff who memorised scorecards. "No Dada, no Jumbo. I'm positive I'll stop watching after Sachin and Rahul retire."

These players were not only outstanding cricketers but also great statesmen. However hard they competed, they were always exceptional role models. Now we dread the next wave of brashness and impetuosity. Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth are talented cricketers, but there's no way anyone would want a young kid to emulate either. The younger crop seems worse - a visit to some of their Orkut and Facebook pages tells you enough - and things may only get cruder in a cricket world when you can make a million dollars in a little over three hours.

"Our childhood is ending," said a friend from school, and in some way he was probably spot on. Tendulkar's retirement may mean a lot of things to a lot of people, but for a generation of 25- to 30-year-olds it will mark the end of the first part of their lives. Switching on the television the day after will be a serious challenge.
[/tscii:502b255101]

P_R

7th November 2008, 11:39 AM

If Sourav makes a century today then he will join this list:

W H Ponsford of Australia scored 110 against England at Sydney on 19-12-1924 and 266 against England at The Oval on 18-08-1934

Greg Chappel of Australia scored 108 against England at Perth on 11-12-1970 and 182 against Pakistan at Sydney on 02-01-1984

M Azharuddin of India scored 110 against England at Kolkata on 31-12-1984 and 102 against South Africa at Bangalore on 02-03-2000

A G Ganteaume of West Indies scored 112 against England at Port of Spain on 11-02-1948 (It was his first as well as last match)

R E Redmond of Newzealand scored 107 against Pakistan at Aukland on 16-02-1973 (It was his first as well as last match)"

viraajan

7th November 2008, 11:59 AM

Beautiful game Dada :clap:

I don't know how my reaction will be when dada plays his last innings in couple of days :cry2:

I'm emotionally stuck :(

MADDY

7th November 2008, 01:27 PM

Beautiful game Dada :clap:

I don't know how my reaction will be when dada plays his last innings in couple of days :cry2:

I'm emotionally stuck :(

same here :( ....for me he is the one who changed the face of Indian(now BCCI) cricket :notworthy: Dhoni is just continuing from where he left off :)

Sourav

7th November 2008, 01:36 PM

Dona has no regrets about Dada quitting
Our Correspondent in Nagpur
November 07, 2008
Like her husband, Dona Ganguly knew retirement was inevitable so when the decision came, she was not surprised.

After a career which saw Sourav Ganguly [Images] amass more than 7,000 runs in Test cricket and 11,363 runs in one day internationals, Dona says she has no regrets as the left-hander ends his international career after the fourth and final Test against Australia [Images] in Nagpur.

Dona, who traveled to Nagpur with daughter Sanaa to witness Sourav's farewell Test, told rediff.com in an exclusive chat: "It was a decision that was coming, so no regrets. Everyone has to retire."

Sourav, she says, will be able to spend more time with his father Chandidas Ganguly who has been his biggest supporter since he took up the game.

"He used to miss his father a lot when he travelled for cricket. He can spend time with his dad," says Dona.

She missed watching Sourav's debut Test at Lord's in 1996 and wanted to be there when he bid adieu to the game.

"I was not present at Lord's when he scored a century on debut. We were not married then. I wanted to be a part of his last Test," she adds.

Sourav told the Board of Control for Cricket in India's felicitation ceremony in Nagpur on Thursday that he owes all his success to his father.

"I am using this opportunity to thank my father who is the saddest person today that I am quitting cricket. I owe my entire cricketing success to him. I want to thank my wife whom I have known for a long time, my family, my brother who is not there and all those people who supported me since my under-15 days," he said.

Ganguly's career has been marked by a few controversies, but he said he has no regret since he always worked towards improving Indian cricket.

"The last 13, 14 years I have made some friends and I have made some enemies, but I want to assure you that it was all for the good of Indian cricket."

Ganguly said it has been a long journey with his team-mates, some of whom he has been with for the last 20 years.

"It has been a long journey for me with lots of ups and downs, victory and loss, but it was wonderful. I have some fantastic memories at the end of the day. I shared the dressing room with Sachin (Tendulkar), Anil (Kumble), V V S (Laxman), Rahul (Dravid) whom I had met in Kanpur long back during an under-15 tournament," he said.

"It was a great run not just in terms of the sport, but in terms of life. For me this game was not only about the sport, but a great life turner," he said.

Ganguly, the most successful captain in Indian Test cricket history, wished new skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni [Images] good luck.

"To my team-mates it has been a wonderful journey. To MS and (Indian coach) Gary (Kirsten), good wishes for a wonderful future," the 36-year-old star said. "You are the torch-bearers of Indian cricket along with the members of the Indian cricket team. I hope you take Indian cricket forward and whenever I sit in front of the TV I can say I have played with these guys."

http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2008/nov/07look-dona-has-no-regrets-about-dada-quitting.htm

Thalaivaaaa... :(

wrap07

7th November 2008, 01:40 PM

yesterday, they were showling the famour remove shirt ganugly scene. He seemed real pumped up. Flintoff will not forget ganguy.:lol: Few young players owe their place to him and he had given self beleif and fighting spirit to the team.

viraajan

7th November 2008, 06:48 PM

villan007

7th November 2008, 06:53 PM

selvakumar

7th November 2008, 07:47 PM

:(
Vidu.... IPL la Ganguly ah thookavae maattanga.. :P (entha selectorum).. Hope he keeps him fit and rocks in IPL ..

2nd innings la ganguly vanthu 100 adikka mudiyuma :(

Sourav

7th November 2008, 07:54 PM

:(
Vidu.... IPL la Ganguly ah thookavae maattanga.. :P (entha selectorum).. Hope he keeps him fit and rocks in IPL ..

Selva, :D
Thalaivar IPLla illena kolkattala 1lakh ticket-la 1 kooda vikkathu... :D

2nd innings la ganguly vanthu 100 adikka mudiyuma :(
Aus Pora pokka paatha 2nd inngs la ind b'men mallukkattanum pola...
:shaking:

villan007

7th November 2008, 08:47 PM

Vidu.... IPL la Ganguly ah thookavae maattanga.. :P (entha selectorum).. Hope he keeps him fit and rocks in IPL ..

thala teamla irukra varai enda state west bengal, enda cm Buddhadeb Bhattacharya :mrgreen:

Sourav

7th November 2008, 08:50 PM

:lol:

wrap07

7th November 2008, 09:05 PM

ajithfederer

7th November 2008, 09:12 PM

:lol:

Vidu.... IPL la Ganguly ah thookavae maattanga.. :P (entha selectorum).. Hope he keeps him fit and rocks in IPL ..

thala teamla irukra varai enda state west bengal, enda cm Buddhadeb Bhattacharya :mrgreen:

Sourav

8th November 2008, 06:53 AM

Will Sourav be face of Brand Bengal?
7 Nov 2008, 0341 hrs IST, TNN

KOLKATA: The Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee government is keen on involving Sourav Ganguly "as a brand ambassador" of West Bengal. The former India
captain, too, is interested in doing something for the state, Bengal urban development minister Ashok Bhattacharya said on Wednesday.

According to the minister, who is close to Sourav, the cricket icon recently expressed his desire to do something for Bengal after his retirement. "He is extremely worried about Tata Motors pullout. Even the Salboni blast on the chief minister's convoy has worried him. He has repeatedly conveyed that to me. As a citizen, he is concerned about the state and wants the best for Bengal," Bhattacharya said.

Given Sourav's country-wide popularity, Bhattacharya feels he is best-suited to showcase projects of the state. "This is the reason why he can well be a brand ambassador for the state," he said.

Asked if Sourav plans to enter politics, Bhattacharya said: "I don't think so. I have never asked him about politics. Nor would I even suggest that to him. However, if he represents Bengal it would be good for the state."

Sourav has already set up his own cricket academy and is in the process of developing a sports complex in Behala.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Will_Sourav_be_face_of_Brand_Bengal/articleshow/3683325.cms

Sourav

8th November 2008, 07:00 AM

[tscii:7da91a3823]The team will miss you: Tendulkar to Sourav :(
OUR CORRESPONDENT
V. V. S. Laxman, Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar at a felicitation in Nagpur on Thursday. (AFP)

Nagpur: The BCCI on Thursday honoured the senior members of the team — Sachin Tendulkar (on becoming Test cricket’s leading run-getter), V.V.S. Laxman (on completing 100 Tests), Anil Kumble and Sourav Ganguly (for their service to Indian cricket) — at a felicitation also attended by some members of the Australian team among others, at the new VCA Stadium.

The four legends spoke on the occasion.

The following are excerpts

LAXMAN

It is a great honour and proud moment for me. My parents were doctors and I too wanted to become a doctor. Playing for India was a fantasy, a dream. I wanted to emulate my dad who has been a role model for me. But as destiny would have it, now I have become a better kid. I also thank my uncle who spotted the talent in me.

Last but not the least, I thank my wife for all the support. Being an international cricketer is tough, especially in India. I am sure, Anjali, Chetna and Dona will all agree with me. Special thanks to my teammates. Our goal is to be the No. 1 in all three forms of the game. I hope I have contributed to that and am sure we will achieve our goal.

TENDULKAR

It truly feels special. It’s any child’s dream to play for India, and I always grew up dreaming the same. It’s been 19 years, it has been an eventful journey.

On Kumble

I remember that way back in 1988-89, I was told that he was actually a good batsman who could bowl. From there, what he has gone on to achieve in Tests is truly remarkable. The most memorable thing about him is his grit and determination. He has always been there with the team 100 per cent. In the West Indies, his jaw was broken and he still came on to bowl and got the wicket of Lara. That’s Anil for you. There couldn’t have been a more committed team member.

On Laxman

I remember in 1996-97 on the South Africa tour, he was very shy. Not any more... He got hurt on the knuckles and had a fracture. He was sitting in the corner of the dressing room and crying. I went up to him and told him that he has a long way to go. Laxman! You deserve every bit of praise you are getting now. Your performances were under-rated!

On Sourav

He has had his ups and downs but he has shown the grit and determination to overcome them. There have been obstacles but he fought through them. Having been together for so long, we know each other’s game so well... Sourav’s contribution has been terrific... Occasionally, he has tried to teach me some Bengali! We will miss you. The entire team will miss you. You have been a terrific contributor…

KUMBLE

It’s been an emotional few days for me. I am not someone who shows his emotions, but it is tough to know that your time is up. I thank my teammates. The welcome you gave me in Delhi was overwhelming. The last three days have been tough for me. To understand what cricket means in India, the support, the messages, the words — it has been really overwhelming.

Eighteen years is a long time to have been part of the Indian cricket team. It is time now to give some time back to the family and kids.

To Laxman

You have been a fantastic player. Like Sachin said, I don’t think you got what you deserved. The team, though, has known your worth and you’re worth your weight in gold.

To Sourav

It’s hard to come and watch a cricket match from the stands. So enjoy the last four days… You’ve been fantastic and it’s under you that we learnt to win Testsabroad. We cherished your batting. You had the opportunity to do everything possible on the field. All the best in your retired life! Thanks for your support.

To Sachin

It’s never easy. The first paper clipping I have says ‘Sachin Tendulkar and Anil Kumble score centuries’. He scored for West Zone and I for South Zone. We have come a long way. When you came on the international scene, the whole of India said you will break all the records. Now, you have done that. To me, they said I know to bowl leg-spin but not leg-break. You’ve had the challenge to prove everybody right, I had the challenge to prove everybody wrong...

To Rahul Dravid

We have had a special bond. There have been many moments to cherish. You have been the backbone of the team. All the success the team has had is because of you…

To Venkatesh Prasad

Venky, I never thought there will be a time when you will be the bowling coach and I still will be playing. When I look around, there is Chika, Dilip and Ravi, and Gary as well — they all have become coach or something, and I am still playing.

To Harbhajan Singh

I will miss you as a spin partner. I am sure you will lead the team well. You are close to a landmark. Am sure you will go on to become the highest wicket-taker for India.

To Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Gary Kirsten

With you I know this team will become No. 1.

SOURAV

It has been an immense pleasure. Sharing the dressing with Sachin, Rahul, Anil and VVS has been a dream come true. Given my background, I led an easy life. It (the game) has been a learning experience, not only for cricket but also for life. MS and Gary, you are the torchbearers of the team now. Over the past 12-13 years I’ve made good friends and made some enemies, but it was all for the good of Indian cricket and, hopefully, you’ve enjoyed walking the path with me.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1081107/jsp/sports/story_10076254.jsp[/tscii:7da91a3823]

Sourav

8th November 2008, 07:05 AM

[tscii:a7c88c8730]
Of second chances and a missed opportunity
Dada’s Innings Wasn’t Always A Smooth Ride, But As Always He Kept Coming Back
Bobilli Vijay Kumar | TNN

Nagpur: A dream debut. A fairytale ending.
Sadly, it didn’t exactly turn out that way. Sourav Ganguly was just 15 runs away from a perfect ending to his gripping but tumultuous career when a thin edge came along and stole his thunder.
But then isn’t that how the Sourav story has unfolded over the last 17 years? How could it end without a touch of bitter-sweet irony? The irony, like it has always been in his case, doesn’t end here though; in fact, it might not really be all over yet.
Yes, the virgin track here at the new VCA stadium, true to form, has already swayed from one extreme mood to the other: after being all lovey-dovey towards batsmen on the first day, she showered her affection on spinners just after lunch.
By the evening, though, she went back to her first love; so now you can’t be sure who she will eventually grant her favours too. It is, therefore, quite possible that Ganguly would get another shot at completing his fairytale. After all, isn’t he the original destiny’s child?
Indeed, right from the beginning, Ganguly has been a man of second chances. He made his international debut in 1992 but was immediately sent back to his palace: there was no place for the Maharaja among the commoners.
Four years later, though, he came back and made his dream debut in Tests; his magical timing and divine drives catapulted him into the elite class straightaway. But then, equally quickly, bowlers noted his hate-hate relationship with bouncers.
Even as vicious rumours were spreading, Ganguly was carving a place for himself elsewhere: in One-dayers. With severe restrictions on the use of short-pitched deliveries here, he used his hand-eye superiority to reinvent himself. Soon, he became the other part of a formidable opening pair with Tendulkar.
By 2000, Indian cricket had been through a catharsis. Shortly after Tendulkar’s misadventure with captaincy, Azharuddin came back to the helm; but then, the match-fixing scourge emerged from its dark alleys.
Tendulkar, then, had another torrid affair with the crown before he gave it away. Dravid was in the race too but then Ganguly, really, is the man with all the chances. He took over and breathed a new life, and a new fighting spirit, into the team. Steadily, he created a mean machine and India were winning matches abroad too; almost inevitably, he became the country’s most successful captain.
The black clouds were, however, gathering again. Entrapped in a destructive cocoon created by himself, he was soon scampering for runs, form and friends. As irony would have it, the one man who he thought would help him, turned against him. As the fight with Greg Chappell spilled over, Ganguly found himself in the black corner: alone, bitter and exposed. Eventually, he was haunted out of the team, and seemingly, there was no way back. Only that nobody realized the power of his second chance.
As the Indian run-machine sputtered in South Africa, the selectors turned to him again. After a dramatic, and not so welcome return, he rediscovered his form, friends and appetite for shortpitched bowling. It wasn’t easy but he braved through this tough phase with grit and steadfastness.
On Friday, as he battled for his fairytale finish, he displayed the same grit and determination all over again. He took his time to re-gauge the pitch and recover the middle of his bat; once that was achieved he went about looking for his elegance and beautiful shots. As the day progressed, he found most of them: a delicate breeze through the covers, a soaring six over long on, delicate flicks, glances and a couple of late cuts too. In the end it was a virtuoso display, nearly reminiscent of the old Ganguly.
It’s just so ironic that the fairytale ending eluded him; maybe, it is just the beginning of something equally beautiful.

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOI&BaseHref=TOICH/2008/11/08&PageLabel=19&EntityId=Ar01902&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T[/tscii:a7c88c8730]

Sourav

8th November 2008, 07:07 AM

[tscii:048946a119]‘Dada saw Vijay’s talent’
TN Opener Was Recommended By Ganguly, Says Srikkanth
Ajay Naidu I TNN

Nagpur: Former India skipper and selection committee chairman, Krish Srikkanth, showered high praises on Sourav Ganguly for displaying dazzling form in his last series.
“He’s really batted like a true champion right through. The way Dada has played in this series, he’s put his heart and soul in his farewell series. I feel so happy and proud for him. It’s nice to see him going out on a high,” Srikkanth said.
Perhaps the only tinge of sadness for Srikkanth, was to see the Bengal Tiger getting dismissed when he looked set for a glorious hundred. “I told Sourav that he’s got to get a hundred in his 100th Test. He was going great guns but it was God’s will that he ended up 15 runs short.”
The selection committee chairman also pointed out that Ganguly also played his part in the selection of Tamil Nadu opener M. Vijay for the final Test match.
“Sourav played with him in the India ‘A’ match and he specifically told me that ‘Chika, here is a guy whom you have to look seriously’. So I took his words very seriously because when a player of Ganguly’s wisdom endorses someone he has to be special. Dave Whatmore too spoke highly of him and even my co-selectors, who saw him in the Challenger series, were very impressed.
“That apart, Vijay’s selection is based on his consistent performance in domestic cricket. And to give the debutant his due, he gave us a very solid start along with (Virender) Sehwag in a very crucial Test.”

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOI&BaseHref=TOICH/2008/11/08&PageLabel=20&EntityId=Ar02000&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T[/tscii:048946a119]

Sourav

8th November 2008, 07:17 AM

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1081108/jsp/sports/story_10081365.jsp

Sourav

8th November 2008, 09:25 AM

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/DM/DINAMALAR/2008/11/08/photographs/015/08_11_2008_015_001_004.jpg

Sourav

8th November 2008, 11:42 AM

Dont forget to watch FAREWELL SOURAV at 11PM IST in Star Cricket channel... (Nov 6-10)

Sanguine Sridhar

8th November 2008, 10:12 PM

Tomorrow might be his farewell day. It should be very interesting to see how he plays. What a great batsman! Will he continue to play in the IPL?

Sourav

9th November 2008, 06:13 AM

Tomorrow might be his farewell day. It should be very interesting to see how he plays. What a great batsman! Will he continue to play in the IPL?u mean today?sunday? :notthatway: monday only...

He wil play in ipl.... :yes:

Sourav

9th November 2008, 06:49 AM

New Delhi, Nov 8 (PTI) Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman may believe that senior Indian cricketers are not respected enough but retiring former captain Sourav Ganguly begs to differ and says that all top performers have been accorded respectful farewells.
"I don't agree (that senior players are disrespected). People like Sunil Gavaskar have gone with respect. Look at the respect Anil Kumble got on his retirement.

"For me, it has to be the stature of the player. The stature of the cricketer has to match Sachin Tendulkar's to evoke that respect," Ganguly, who retires at the end of the ongoing Test series against Australia, told CNN-IBN.

But the left-hander finds oft-repeated queries on the impending retirements of the remainder of the fab four -- Tendulkar, VVS laxman and Rahul Dravid -- quite irritating. He reiterated that media reports of a retirement scheme for senior players were mere speculation.

"I don't think the time has come for all the fab four to go. Instead of all going together, it's better to go in batches. All these schemes that are being reported are speculation. It's not true, there is no such scheme.

"They are such big performers that they don't need to be told when to go. They have more responsibility towards Indian cricket and they know when they have to go," he said. PTI

http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/853F2311DF5A8DE4652574FB0048FFF6?OpenDocument

viraajan

9th November 2008, 02:31 PM

Pain in heart... Stress in mind...
Unable to digest the fact that dada has played his last innings and he will not be seen again in international matches :cry2:

Thak you so much Dada for making India pround on so many occasions. We'll miss you foever... :bow:

A_Ajith

9th November 2008, 05:37 PM

Last innings DUCK OUT. Bad luck. Anyhow Ganguly was the most aggressive captain India ever had!!!

Thanks for your unmatched patriotism Mr.Saurav Ganguly. You shall be remembered for long.

PLEASE NOTE DON BRADMAN's LAST INNINGS WAS ALSO A DUCK OUT

wrap07

9th November 2008, 07:43 PM

Sourav Ganguly :clap:
nice gesture by aussies to applaud sourav.

ajithfederer

9th November 2008, 11:20 PM

Ganguly :bow: :bow:

Will be missing Tendulkar's ODI Opening Partner. :cry2:

6128 odd partnsership runs with a freakkin 20 odd century partnerships :cry2:

The dancing down the tracks to lift spinners.

The gritty test batsman who made a roundabout comeback :clap:

An aggressive captain

P_R

10th November 2008, 12:19 AM

The dancing down the tracks to lift spinners.

And my strongest memory about that facet of his betting is this match (http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/statsguru/engine/match/64632.html)

Vettori is the best (as in iluppaippoo) left arm spinner in the world now. You will notice he was in the eleven and didn't bowl a single ball. Reason: Sourav opened and remained unbeaten. 153* out of a total of 261 !!

And he paced his innings extremely well. We were under 4 till the 40th over, with no-one except Ganguly looking comfortable on that pitch. So NZ was on top and yet Fleming was reluctant about bringing in Vettori.

119 run unbeaten stand with Robin Singh in the last 11 overs.

# SC Ganguly 50 off 82 balls, 7x4
# SC Ganguly 100 off 127 balls, 11x4, 1x6
# SC Ganguly 150 in 149 balls, 18x4 3x6

He just dominated so many games like this.

What-a-player :clap:

Sourav

10th November 2008, 07:27 AM

[tscii:9b685650fd]Goodbye Sourav, err, hello Rahul
Bobilli Vijay Kumar | TNN

Even 20 minutes after his dismissal, Sourav Ganguly could be seen all padded up in the Indian dressing room. There was a bewildered look on his face, a shocked expression in his eye: clearly, this wasn’t the fairy-tale finish that he had been dreaming of over the last few weeks.
He walked in to bat for the last time at a delicate moment, with the match poised on a sharp edge. Virender Sehwag had given a rousing start to the second innings; but India suddenly lost three wickets and the Test was smacked open. Ganguly looked calm and regal, eager for the grand tryst with his destiny.
He was given a warm welcome, even by the Aussies, and he took guard confidently; Jason Krejza, who had stunned VVS Laxman with a particularly special delivery, wheeled in for his next one.
Attacking the same rough outside off (leg for the left-hander), he managed to draw Sourav forward, luring him into the vacant on-side. But the ball sud-denly dipped and the bat closed a split-dimension sooner. Krejza dived forward and accepted the catch triumphantly. Ganguly stood there for a few agonizing seconds, soaking in the cruel irony: a century in his first innings; and a first-ball duck in the last one. Eventu-ally, he had to begin his final journey back to the Indian dressing room.
As he walked away, he looked towards the skies (was it anger, was it gratitude?) and had one last conversation with his God; then, he ran his eyes all around the ground, took in the stunned silence in the stands which was soon replaced by a deafening burst, to freeze the image and sound in his mind forever.
One doesn’t know how long he sat there, with his pads on; but during those 20 minutes or so, India seemed to be losing the plot, almost hurtling towards another numbing last Test defeat. But luckily, Australia soon got caught in the slow overrate whirlpool and could only watch as India clawed back into the game.
In the end, India made 295 to set up an imposing 382-run target. They may or may not drive the final nail into Australia's arrogance on Monday, but one thing is clear: they can’t lose this Test from here; they may have lost something far more important during this series though: the confidence in Rahul Dravid.
The technically sound and highly effective Number Three has had a horrendous series. To compound his misery, his worst Test in this tour had come in the backyard of his in-laws’ home: a 0 followed by an equally wretched 3 in the second innings. Count his 51, 5, 39 DNB, 11, 11 and you are tempted to wonder if it is more than a temporary loss of form.
Like in the case of most out-of-form batsmen, Dravid has been enjoying a horrible run with fate though: each time he has made a mistake, or indeed even half a mistake, it has turned out to be his last. He hasn’t enjoyed missed chances, dropped catches or invisible edges at all: that is the way every good batsman crumbles.
No doubt, he is not waiting for the ball to come to him now; no doubt, he is poking and prodding at most of them; but he surely realizes his follies and it may just be a matter of time before everything falls into place. It is too much of a coincidence, though, that his bad luck seems to have got accentuated once he gave up captaincy; after all, the entire purpose of forsaking it was to focus on his batting.
Now that the series is over, Dravid can go back and unwind a little; he can, and surely will, look at the videos and analyze what he is doing wrong.
He might even want to regain his confidence and touch in the Ranji Trophy before the Tests against England dawn on him. The question is: can he retrieve himself ? Or will the pressure and self-doubts consume him?

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOI&BaseHref=TOICH/2008/11/10&PageLabel=17&EntityId=Ar01702&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T[/tscii:9b685650fd]

Sourav

10th November 2008, 08:14 AM

[tscii:660658f23f]Dada was his own man, and ours too
Ayaz Memon
Monday, November 10, 2008 04:00 IST

Some years after he had earned cricketing immortality by clean bowling Bradman for a duck in his final innings, Eric Hollies was to write: “I don’t think Don saw it properly. He seemed to have tears in his eyes.” We have no word yet from Jason Krejza on what he thought Sourav Ganguly’s state of mind was when he took guard for his last innings, but it would be fair to say that the batsman must have been similarly overcome with emotion.

Cricketers, whichever country they come from, whatever their background and calibre, are sensitive souls at their core. Retiring from the sport after spending the better part of youth in its struggles, triumphs and tragedies can be overwhelming. In an oblique sort of way retirement is also a reminder of mortality, whatever the record or degree of greatness, and heightens the sense of loss. Out first ball! Heck, even Bradman got two!

Any further comparison with Bradman would, of course, be ludicrous and downright unfair to Ganguly. That removed, Ganguly stands every other scrutiny with distinction. He has been a terrific batsman, outstanding captain and in many ways, the man singly responsible for providing Indian cricket the self-belief and ambition to match Australia, the best team in the world, blow for blow over the past decade.

Indeed, his batting prowess has been obscured by his hugely successful captaincy. In the Indian context, take away Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, Viru Sehwag and Vijay Merchant — who would rate among the top 50 batsmen in cricket history — and Ganguly’s value purely as a batsman becomes telling
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1205007[/tscii:660658f23f]

Sourav

10th November 2008, 08:14 AM

[tscii:f893148b03]Bradmanesque ending for Dada
Ankita Pandey
Monday, November 10, 2008 03:41 IST

It’s probably just a quirk of fate that Sourav Ganguly, like Don Bradman, was out on zero in his last Test innings

NAGPUR: The air at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) ground was pregnant with anticipation as Sourav Ganguly strode in to play his last innings in international cricket. India were in a precarious position at 163/4, losing VVS Laxman’s wicket. The crowd of over 8,000 was on their feet, straining their veins, screaming his name. The Australians gathered in the middle to welcome him, this time not to chin music but to the sounds of dignified claps. Ganguly’s lucky red bandana was visible under the helmet.

He fist-bumped Sachin Tendulkar, his partner at the other end, and took guard. A crescendo of noise matched bowler Jason Krezja’s approach steps to the wicket till the release of the ball from his hands. Bowling around the wicket, he flighted the ball on a leg-stump line. Sourav played across, then stared in horror as the ball flew into the hands of a diving Krezja.

A first ball duck in his last innings, even the thought wouldn’t have crossed his mind. He looked up to the heavens, as if questioning the almighty for such a fate. If Shakespeare was present at the ground, he would’ve worn the broadest of smiles. He loved a heart-wrenching story, and drama as perfect as this merits admiration from the connoisseur.

Sourav prepared his last trudge back to the pavilion, bat under the arm, helmet in his hand with the bandana thrown in. He turned back to look over his shoulders a couple of times, almost imploring a reversal of fortunes. Then, with a final shrug, he quickened his pace for his final walk back.

The fans in the stadium who had barely settled into their seats, having given Sourav a standing ovation on his arrival, stood up again for the departure. Through the reverberating noise, some teary eyes, he disappeared into the concrete structure.

Sourav has one consolation though. He has Don Bradman for company. The Australian great too suffered the ignominy of scoring a duck in his last innings.

It’s fitting that Ganguly’s story turned out so dramatic. A 100 for the prologue, a duck as the epilogue and various acts of joys, grief and triumph in between. Take a bow Dada.

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1205008[/tscii:f893148b03]

Sourav

10th November 2008, 08:25 AM

[tscii:eea0566067]Sourav truly the Dada of Indian cricket: Sunny
- Praise from the iconic former India captain
LOKENDRA PRATAP SAHI
A TELEGRAPH EXCLUSIVE
Sunil Gavaskar

Nagpur: On Sunday evening, Little Master I Sunil Gavaskar spoke to The Telegraph, exclusively on Sourav Ganguly.

The following are excerpts

Whether he felt sad when Sourav went for a duck in his last innings for India

I did, yes... Nobody likes to see somebody failing to score in his final Test innings, but such things happen... If I may add, batsmen have the desire to score at least one, both in their first and last appearances... Of course, Sir Don too got out without scoring in his final innings... One felt more sad for Sourav as he’d missed a hundred in the first innings.

The farewell Test getting dampened

People should remember Sourav’s 85 in the first innings, not the duck... It’s a one-ball game and, as I’ve said, these things happen.

Sourav’s career

It’s a career which gave India so much joy... To talk of his batting, he’d be one of the best sights when in flow... Nobody drove through the off-side like he did and we’ll also miss his dancing down the wicket to the spinners. I particularly liked his cover drives... Liked his determination to overcome obstacles... He’d hang in there.

Sourav as captain

There was turmoil in Indian cricket soon after Sourav got the captaincy (March 2000, just before the match-fixing scandal) and he was able to straightaway make an impact... It’s because of those early wins under him that a lot of the fans who’d been disillusioned, came back to cricket. As captain, Sourav gave India plenty of pride and lots of substance... He provided the kind of leadership you seldom see in any walk of life.

Best way to sum up Sourav

Feisty and elegant... Somebody with an attacking sense, both as a batsman and captain.

Sourav’s legacy

If I’m to talk of his captaincy, he made the team believe in itself... Believe that it could win.

What would he tell Sourav on Monday, his final day as an India cricketer

(Grins) Well played, you’ve had a terrific career and you’ve truly been the Dada of Indian cricket.

Finally, whether Sourav would’ve been tempted to take back his retirement and whether the selectors could’ve asked him to reconsider his decision

Look, except for Bengali sweets and biryani, I don’t know what else tempts Sourav! As for the selectors, once a player has announced he’s quitting, then how can they talk to him? It’s for the player alone to speak to them if he’s having second thoughts.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1081110/jsp/sports/story_10088562.jsp[/tscii:eea0566067]

Sourav

10th November 2008, 08:28 AM

[tscii:1b3bde6199]His own man

Sourav's batting is a unique mix of touch and power. When he plays those drives on the off, it's all touch, all elegance

VVS Laxman: " The great thing about Sourav is that he doesn't let any criticism bother him. I think that was evident right from the time he made the century on debut at Lord's" © Getty Images

The first time I played with Sourav was in 1994, in a zonal match in Jamshedpur. I had heard a lot about his elegance, and about how strong he was on the off side, but in that particular match he didn't get a big score. The following year, again in the zonal tournament, we met in Lucknow. And again, he didn't get too many - but he did clean bowl me! Since then, of course, I have often had the pleasure of watching him from the non-striker's end.

If I had to sum up Sourav's batting, I would say that it is a unique mix of touch and power. When he plays those drives on the off for instance, it's all touch, all elegance. Timing is his gift. I think that is something one is born with. If at all there is a secret to timing, it is to play the ball early, and Sourav does that.

On the other hand, he has the ability to not only clear the ropes but even the stadium. Right from the start he has had the ability to hit long.

Against spin, my god, he is really a murderer! I have seen him badly dent the careers of some spinners in domestic cricket. There was this left-armer, Sukhvinder Singh, playing for Assam, who was selected for the Challengers in 2001, before the home series against Australia. Sourav just destroyed him, hitting him for more than 30 runs in one over. Nobody heard of poor Sukhvinder after that!

I think playing spin comes very naturally to Sourav: you should see him in the nets. He has that wonderful bat-swing and follow-through, and, just as importantly, the belief that he can clear the boundary whenever he wishes to.

I know he has faced a lot of criticism while batting against fast - especially short-pitched - bowling but honestly I think that's unfair on him. If you can score a hundred at the Gabba, it's not possible that you are unable to play short bowling. I think what happens is that sometimes batsmen go through a phase where they get out in similar fashion a few times, and the impression remains in the minds of people for a long time afterwards. I have seen him play the pull convincingly on many occasions. He certainly did so in Melbourne, when he returned to the crease after having taken a blow to the head.

The great thing about Sourav is that he doesn't let any criticism bother him. I think that was evident right from the time he made the century on debut at Lord's. He is his own man, and an intensely determined one. He always speaks his mind, and doesn't mind throwing the challenge to fast bowlers with his statements. After all, if someone can step out and hit fast bowlers for six over point or long-on, then there is no reason why he should be intimidated by them.

As a captain, he always tells the batsmen to go out and play their natural game. He will never, for example, tell Sehwag to play defensively. He believes that international batsmen should stick to the formula that has got them that far. He is always encouraging the batsmen, reminding them of past successes.

And he has played a few captain's innings too. The 144 at the Gabba was such a positive knock, right from the start. We had to make a good beginning to the series, and Sourav led by example. I can tell you that it really gave the dressing room a lift, knowing that if we played our natural game we could do well in Australia.

He played some really good ones on the West Indies tour of 2002 as well. The two of us had a significant partnership in the second innings in Trinidad. We had to grind out the runs. A big partnership was essential under the circumstances and the wicket was not ideal for strokeplay, with the ball not really coming on to the bat. I wish I could have stayed there longer with him, because he remained not out on 75 - but the important thing is that it was enough for us to win the Test. In the next Test, in Barbados, he batted beautifully in both innings, but unfortunately there was no support for him. I still remember that six he hit off Mervyn Dillon; it landed on the roof of the stadium.

Finally, I'd like to say that Sourav is among the best one-day players I have seen. He has the big shots, and he's worked out his game inside out. He knows when to charge, when to push the single. And he has mastered the art of making hundreds. When he plays like he did against Sri Lanka in the 1999 World Cup, or against South Africa at the ICC Knockout, he makes batting look like the easiest thing in the world. By the time he finishes, that record is going to look phenomenal.

As told to Rahul Bhattacharya. This article was first published in Wisden Asia Cricket magazine, August 2004

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/377585.html[/tscii:1b3bde6199]

selvakumar

10th November 2008, 12:15 PM

[tscii:06ea2b301d]http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/current/story/377611.html

Eastern son

Sourav Ganguly fired Bengal's imagination. He was a talisman the state had waited too long for

Soumya Bhattacharya

November 10, 2008

For all Bengal: in Ganguly came the answer to years of prayer for a hometown boy who had made good © AFP

I am writing this in the early-morning Sunday quiet of my Mumbai flat, an eye on the clock, my nerves tingling a bit, the sense of keyed-up anticipation that all addicts know flowing through my system as I wait for the fourth day's play in Nagpur to begin.

I am relishing the wait; the hours leading up to the first ball are an excruciatingly slow, gorgeously pleasurable wind-up. Thank heavens for Test cricket - again: play gets underway as early as 9.30am.

It's a big day in a big game in a big series. But hang on. Isn't there something else too? Yes, at some point later today, Sourav Ganguly is likely to come out to bat for the last time in his international career.

I have just returned from Kolkata, my - and Ganguly's - hometown, and the public discourse over there in clubs, bars and street corners (sorry, that may not be a fabulously representative sample, but those are the places I tend to hang out at when I go to Kolkata on my annual visit) was dominated by the former captain and his decision to quit. Was he pushed? Should he have quit? Couldn't he have played for a little while longer? Oh, Dada!

Hell, the largest-selling Bengali daily put Ganguly in as part of the headline the day Sachin Tendulkar got his 40th Test hundred. (Ganguly was 27 not out at stumps.)

You wouldn't think it talking to the man on the street and reading the Bengali papers but there is among many members of the educated elite in Kolkata a tendency to go against the grain and profess no extra love for Ganguly. The way it works is to specifically say that the masses illogically, irrationally support Ganguly. In a way, this stands to reason: Kolkata is a city of self-conscious irony; it is bashfully apologetic about itself and is suffused with a severe abhorrence of self-congratulation in certain circles.

Several of my friends resort to this sort of thing. I never have. I have always been an admirer of Ganguly's. And I insist that my admiration has nothing to do with being parochial. Nor do I think I need to go against the grain in this respect to exhibit my distinctiveness from the masses.

But I have been thinking about it this morning. And, you know, I've been asking myself if it is at all possible to entirely divorce parochialism of some form or the other from support. Isn't all support a sort of tribalism? Isn't that what it's all about? I mean, I am a big fan of Roger Federer and John McEnroe and Diego Maradona, but with cricket, a sport in which we are actually good? You tell me.

Well, Bengal's fanaticism about Ganguly is to do with parochialism. I am not sure if this is something to be bashfully apologetic about. Sport, you see, as Nick Hornby writes in The Complete Polysyllabic Spree, is part of popular culture, however much some of us try to deny it sometimes. And Bengal has been traditionally big on culture - and tremendously proud of it. If you don't have much else to show - like, say, top industrialists, or a lot of money, what else can you do? Culture is your badge of privilege, of genuine distinction.

Now we always had people who would talk about cricket; who would pride themselves on forming the most literate, intelligent cricket crowd in India (a patent lie. I think it went by a name in the popular press: congnoscenti); who would say that the Eden Gardens had the most atmosphere (a nebulous assertion because one isn't quite certain what "atmosphere" might really, objectively, mean); and who would talk about Kolkata's culture of following cricket in a, well, cultured way.

We had everything, you see. The trouble was, there was no one to follow. We didn't have the players. I mean, okay, Pankaj Roy was from Bengal, but to find people who could recall him in his pomp - well, let's just say you won't find too many of them hanging around at street corners or clubs or bars.

Ganguly fired Bengal's imagination because he was the talisman Bengal had been looking for for decades; he gave us someone to specifically root for. Every state had its players in the national team. Where were Bengal's?

Here was a state that had historically produced nearly no Test players of any stature. In Ganguly came the answer to years of prayer for a hometown boy who had made good. And how good he made. But that's not quite why I admire Ganguly. Or at least that is what I think.

All this I have figured out, keyed up, in the early-morning, Sunday quiet of my Mumbai flat, waiting for play to begin.

I think I am a huge Ganguly fan because of the way he has changed Indian cricket. I have written about this before, but it bears repeating. (Fans can't ever have too much of repetition.)

Becoming captain in November 2000, he forged on the anvil of his spectacular, stare-you-in-the-eye-and-not-blink, tough, provocative leadership a side that went from being crumbling-pitch bullies in India to the team that has beaten the (still) world champions, Australia, on more occasions than any other side in this century; the side that has won around the world; the side that has played with audacity and impunity and courage and guts and beauty.

Indian captains were supposed to be polite, stoic, decent, not overly, demonstrably ambitious, middle class in sensibility if not lineage. Ganguly changed all that.

He was the fulcrum around which the contemporary game's premier confrontation, India versus Australia, was built. Indian cricket was always about silk, about splitting cover and extra cover with neither fielder moving. It took Ganguly to put the steel in it.

Bengal's fanaticism about Ganguly is to do with parochialism. I am not sure if this is something to be bashfully apologetic about. Sport, as Nick Hornby writes, is part of popular culture, however much some of us try to deny it sometimes

This has been a thrilling decade - why, a thrilling century, I realise as I write this - to be an Indian cricket fan. And we shall be remiss if we don't acknowledge the extent of Ganguly's contribution to that fact.

It is probably true that his record as India's most successful captain ever has somewhat obscured and taken the attention away from his achievements as a batsman. His Test average has never fallen below 40. He is India's fourth-highest Test run-scorer and fourth-highest century-maker. He has played more Tests than all but a handful of players in the history of the game, and he has, in them, offered us numerous beautiful, gutsy, unforgettable performances.

Ganguly himself is acutely aware of this fact. A couple of days ago he was quoted as saying (in - where else but? - a Bengali daily) that he has made more than 2000 runs in the past 22 Tests. He is very conscious of his stats. And why not? If others aren't, perhaps not as much as they ought to be, the man who made the most stirring comeback in contemporary Indian cricket ought to be. It's not something to be exactly ashamed of, is it? Or bashfully apologetic about, perhaps?

But the fact remains that more than Ganguly the batsman, it is Ganguly the captain - the "game changer", as the marketing blokes like to call it - I shall remember. And I shall miss him when he is there no more to remind me of how he did what he did.

Wish you luck, Sourav. Have a good one, mate - as your favourite opponents would say - now that it is all over. And thanks for what you gave us.

It's still nearly an hour to go for the start of play.

Soumya Bhattacharya is the editor of Hindustan Times in Mumbai. A (sort of) sequel to his book You Must Like Cricket? will be out in 2009[/tscii:06ea2b301d]

leosimha

10th November 2008, 03:02 PM

Final Salute to Dada of Indian Cricket - Sourav Ganguly. :notworthy:

viraajan

10th November 2008, 03:13 PM

Thank you Dada for playing for india. We'll miss you.

You are one of best captains that India has ever had. :bow:

Tatta...buh...bye... :cry2:

wrap07

10th November 2008, 07:58 PM

http://www.thehindu.com/holnus/007200811101861.htm

I see a lot of myself in Dhoni: Ganguly

Nagpur (PTI): Arguably the most successful Indian skipper ever, Sourav Ganguly says he sees a lot of himself in Mahendra Singh Dhoni and reckons that the charismatic new captain will go on to better his record and further enhance India's stature in international cricket.

"He has done fantastically well. Captaincy is a task, it's not just about being a good player. He will be tested when India plays abroad and if the boys do well under him then it will be great. I am sure he will take Indian cricket forward," said Ganguly, whose last Test saw India clinching the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by winning the fourth and final match.

"I did what I felt was right. I'm a captain who did not believe in the drawing board but react to what happens on the field of play. I see a lot of myself in Dhoni. He also doesn't like meetings. In fact he sees things better than me.

He has also had a bit of luck that a captain needs," he added. Ganguly said a captain is only as good as his team but he did have a huge role to play in enhancing India's reputation.

"Most important thing is that a captain is as good as a player. Raising India's image in world cricket especially as a touring side is my legacy in Indian cricket. We, at present, are a formidable side both home and away," he said.

Ganguly said he would not be missing the Indian dressing room as he was leaving with happy memories of being part of a team that beat the world's best side 2-0 in the series. "I don't think I would miss the dressing room. I have had a good innings and it's time to leave.

I am leaving with happy memories that it ended with a win for India. A 2-0 win over the world's best team was the best that could have happened after all the doubts arising after the Sri Lanka series (where India lost)", Ganguly said.

"I have played well and the team has played outstandingly well. To win the series 2-0 was very satisfying. We had dominated (the proceedings) after the first Test (at Bangalore)," said the former captain.

Ganguly, who was asked to lead the team on the field for a brief while when India was close to winning the fourth and final Test against Australia before being chaired off the ground after India's 172-run win, said he would forever cherish the moments that he lived today.

"In terms of team performance the way this Test has finished was one of the best ever. I want to cherish it for long. Everyone has chipped in throughout the series. Somehow we manage to pick up when we play against Australia," said the veteran of 113 Tests.

"I enjoyed my last few days and the last few hours. I was asked to lead for five overs, did it for three overs and then told Dhoni that it was not my job," he said. The stylish left-hander side-stepped queries on past controversies like his public spat with former coach Greg Chappell. "Let's keep the controversies aside. It's a happy day for Indian cricket. The past is past, let's not talk about it," he said.

Sourav

10th November 2008, 08:24 PM

[tscii:671db93cb8]Favourite Ganguly moments

'Beginning of new India' - Kapil

November 10, 2008

Time spent in the domestic circuit reflected in Sourav Ganguly's Test debut at Lord's © Getty Images

Kapil Dev, former India coach

That evening in 2002, standing on the Lord's balcony, when Sourav took off his shirt and waved to start wild celebrations was a remarkable moment. I can never forget it. For the people of older generation like me it was a tremendous occasion. It marked the beginning of a new India. What was really surprising was here was a team's captain, and not just any player, who had decided to bare his emotions in such a public fashion and that, too, at such an historic venue. It was just unbelievable and fantastic.

Javagal Srinath, fomer India team-mate

The Sourav Ganguly people saw in 1991 and the one who came back in 1996 were completely different and people's perception about him changed in his second coming. Nothing surprised more than that. He had transformed in his game, but, importantly he was on top of his game during those four to five years on the domestic circuit. It's always good to spend time in domestic cricket to gain experience in those early years, but he performed consistently and that showed in his century at Lord's on his Test debut.

Saba Karim, former Bengal and India team-mate

I was Sourav's captain during the beginning of his domestic career and also played under him. Before his Test debut in 1996 he was a player, who, at times, could be nervous, someone who was not sure of his own ability. But once he started to play for India regularly he found that belief easily. After a good performance in an ODI series in Pakistan [Wills Trophy] he turned up to lead Bengal in a Ranji game against Orissa on a what was a sub-standard pitch. Though he failed in the ODI and and later in the first innings of the four-day game, he came out stronger when it was the most crucial. We were set small target in a low-scoring game and Ganguly decided to push himself up to the No. 3 from his usual No. 5. He made only 30, the second highest in the innings, but the way he took the responsibility on himself calmed the nerves of his team-mates. That day I felt his transformation from a domestic to international cricketer was complete. It showed me how he had held his own to stay put and had learned quickly from playing for the country.

Andy Flower, former Zimbabwe captain

When he used to play a left-arm spinner, not one particular, I was always amazed at his power of hitting over the boundary especially since the ball was coming into him. That to me was my favourite Sourav Ganguly moment.

Deep Dasgupta, fomer Bengal team-mate

When he was dropped from the Irani Cup he was obviously upset as he had been looking forward to play the Australian series. Even before his omission he had been working really hard. Despite the disappointment and his stature he didn't give up. Next day, he was back to his usual training. That spoke a lot about his dedication, his passion. He just set an example for everyone. That spoke a lot about his personality and his character.

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/377732.html[/tscii:671db93cb8]

Sourav

10th November 2008, 08:25 PM

Sourav Ganguly's career highlights

Nagpur (PTI): Following are the career highlights of Sourav Ganguly who retires from international cricket on Monday (10th November 2008).

January, 1992: Makes ODI debut against Australia, scores just 3 before being dropped.

June, 1996: Scores century against England at the Lord's in his Test debut and follows it up with another century in the very next Test at Trent Bridge.

August, 1997: Scores his first ODI century in Colombo against Sri Lanka in his 32nd match.

September, 1997: Leading scorer and wicket-taker in the Sahara Cup as India thrash Pakistan 4-1. He scored 222 runs at 55.5 and 15 wickets at 10.66. Wins four Man-of-the-Match awards in five matches and Man of the Series.

November-December, 1997: Top scorer and Man of the Series in the three-Test home series against Sri Lanka with 392 runs at an average of 98.

May, 1999: Scores 183 in Taunton against Sri Lanka in the World Cup, then highest ODI score by an Indian.

September, 1999: Captains India for the first time in the Coca-Cola Singapore Challenge tournament, against West Indies after Tendulkar pulled out due to sore back.

February, 2000: Joins Lancashire.

February, 2000: Named captain for the five-ODI home series against South Africa after Tendulkar relinquished post.

March, 2001: Led India to 2-1 win against Australia at home in the historic Test series.

November, 2001: Ganguly and five other Indian players are warned for excessive appealing during the Port Elizabeth Test by match-referee Mike Denness. Handed a suspended ban for one Test match and two one-day international matches.

July, 2002: Takes off shirt at the Lord's balcony after win in the NatWest Series final.

April, 2004: Becomes the first Indian captain to win a Test series in Pakistan. Also with 15 Test wins, he becomes India's most successful captain.

October, 2004: India lose home series against Australia, first time after 35 years.

March, 2005: Draws home series against Pakistan.

April, 2005: Banned for six matches for a slow-over rate during ODI series in Pakistan. India lose series 2-4 to Pakistan.

September, 2005: Reveals in Zimbabwe that the then coach Greg Chappell had asked him to step down from captaincy.

November, 2005: End of five-year reign as Test captain as Rahul Dravid takes over the reins against Sri Lanka.

January 2006: Picked for the Test series in Pakistan.

December, 2006: Picked for Test series against South Africa, returns as leading run-getter.

January, 2007: Scores 98 in his ODI comeback in Nagpur against West Indies.

July-August, 2007: Scores 249 runs at 49.80 in India's series win in England.

November-December, 2007: Top scorer (534) and man of the series in the three-Test series against Pakistan with. Scores first Test century at his home ground at Eden Gardens. Slams his first double-century in Bangalore.

December 2007-January 2008: A mixed Test series in Australia (235 runs at 29.37, two half-centuries). Axed from ODI squad.

October, 2008: Announces retirement after the Test series against Australia.

November 10, 2008: Plays his last match against Australia at Nagpur.

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200811101701.htm

Sourav

10th November 2008, 08:28 PM

[tscii:4bdcca1422]An ode to India's Sourav Ganguly - the original 'yes, we can' man of cricket
Dada was not a batsman, not a captain but a phenomenon that will run as long as aggression does...

He entered with style, made a comeback in style and left in style, leaving people asking for more. There are a bagful of achievements to his credit but what Sourav Chandidas Ganguly will be remembered most for is the revolutionary change in mindset he brought to Indian cricket and Indian cricketers.

Previously, when Indian teams walked on to the turf outside the sub-continent, everyone thought a draw would be a more-than-satisfactory result. It was Sourav who inspired his men into playing fearless cricket and it is his legacy that Mahendra Singh Dhoni carries forward.

Tears barely escaped surfacing as an emotional “Maharaja” crossed the rope one last time in the India jersey at Nagpur. It was a befitting gesture from Dhoni to let Sourav lead the side for the last few overs. As a fan of cricket in general and the Indian team in particular, it was nice to see the younger lot acknowledge the contribution and achievements of the seniors.

Some news channel reported that the team will be throwing a big party for Dada at the team hotel and that Dhoni had also exchanged his captain’s suite at the team hotel with Ganguly’s. It is a small but sweet gesture but one that would seldom cross the minds of most people in the world.

He deserves every bit of it. After all, he is the man who has the biggest hand in the state of happy affairs that Indian cricket finds itself today in. We have always had the talent but players have lacked the tenacity and the aggressive attitude required to tumble tough opponents. Ganguly instilled this tenacity and the self-belief that, “Yes, we can”.

http://www.sportingo.com/cricket/a10687_ode-indias-sourav-ganguly-original-yes-we-can-man-cricket[/tscii:4bdcca1422]

Sourav

10th November 2008, 08:32 PM

I'll miss Bengali chatter with Ganguly: Tendulkar

New Delhi, Nov 10 (PTI) "Who will I talk to in Bengali now?" Sachin Tendulkar asked today in a tribute to his long-standing dressing room pal Sourav Ganguly, who retired from international cricket.
Tendulkar recalled his long association with the elegant left-hander and said he owes the little Bengali he knows to his former opening partner in one-dayers.

"But the question I ask myself is who will I now speak to in Bengali? Well I have enjoyed conversing with him in that language and whatever Bengali I have picked up is thanks to him," Tendulkar said in a newspaper column.

"Whenever we had a long partnership, I used to walk mid-pitch and speak a few Bangla words to ease the pressure of the situation," he said.

Tendulkar went on to recount some pranks he had played on Ganguly during their days together in the Indian dressing room.

"Cricket lovers have heard about how I disturbed the watchman of the Nehru Stadium with my constant bat-hitting leather activities at night and the fact that he brought it to the attention of our coach Vasu Paranjape," he wrote in 'Mid-Day'.

"But not many have heard this -- One day when Sourav was enjoying his rest and dozed off, I had his room flooded with water. Sourav woke up to the mini deluge surprised, shocked, staggered -- in that order.

"His only solace was I made sure that his cricketing kit was not among the ruins. Imagine what a sight it would have been -- his bats, pads floating in water." PTI

http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/23DF319C407CFE18652574FD00468805?OpenDocument

Sourav

10th November 2008, 08:35 PM

Ranatunga lauds Ganguly

Colombo (PTI): Describing Saurav Ganguly as one of the greatest captains of all time, Sri Lanka Cricket chairman Arjuna Ranatunga on Monday credited him for making India one of the strongest cricket sides in the world.

"Ganguly is one of the toughest captains produced by India. His strong approach to the game was visible on many occasions when India won matches under his captaincy," Ranatunga told PTI. Ranatunga, a former Lankan captain who led his side to the 1996 World Cup title, said Ganguly's roller-coaster career's highlight was the way he led the team.

"Starting his career as a medium-pacer who can bat, Ganguly finished his career as one of the best and stylish left-hand batsmen in the world," Ranatunga said. "Ganguly was severe on spin bowlers and even the likes of (Muttiah) Muralitharan and (Shane) Warne had no answers. He was a great batsman against spin," Ranatunga said.

While wishing Ganguly a happy retired life, Ranatunga said he hoped the Indian star will stay attached to the game and share his "unique thinking and skills" with youngsters. "He was still fit enough to play cricket. Ganguly was still getting runs. I think there will be a big vacuum when he goes," Ranatunga said.

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200811101662.htm

Sourav

10th November 2008, 08:36 PM

No more Second Coming
Garima Bharti
Monday, November 10, 2008 (New Delhi)
Email | Print | Comments: Read (2) Post | Rate the story
A+ A-

Just when he was fighting hard to get back in the side, many held the opinion that he should quit the game for he was not his best self in terms of form and fitness. And just when everyone wrote him off on making it to the team, he was there, to fight against the mighty Aussies. His presence in the team hushed his critics and made them eat their words. He hammered the last nail as he announced his retirement soon after his selection.

That's Sourav Ganguly for you! Doing everything on his terms, whatever may be the price.

Not that the decision was unexpected but as an ardent Ganguly fan for more than a decade, it was the moment one never wanted to think of. For someone who grew up with his colourful and dramatic career, enjoyed his achievements, sulked over his failures, flayed his critics, whose heart ached for the injustice meted out to him (or so one felt!), it's extremely painful to even think that there will be no more of Ganguly in India's playing XI. All has come to an end at Nagpur, ironically the place where a few years back his commitment was scrutinised.

Ganguly along with Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid formed the batting trinity that gave Indian batting the formidable look. The trio scored around sixty thousand runs in both Tests and ODIs. Ganguly's cover drive, square cuts and 'oh those' sky-tearing sixes will be missed. But more than that, his presence, his passion, his persona will be missed.

His critics will miss him no lesser than his fans. His ability to call 'spade a spade' irked the authorities, his habit of giving it back to his opponents in the language they understood the best miffed them, his knack for challenging rules annoyed the conventionalists. And all these characteristics were so unlike the Indian cricketers that they provided ample fodder for the 'columns' of the 'so-called' cricket pundits.

He remains India's most successful captain not only statistically but also characteristically. His ascendance as Indian captain, gave him the authority to stimulate his boys with similar traits.

Purists might have had their eyes popped out when a bare-chest Ganguly swirled his shirt at the Lords and called Flintoff and his mates few names, but for an Indian cricket fan it was a magical moment. Here was one cricketer who celebrated victories as the fans did. Perhaps, he did what most of us would have liked to do in reply to Flintoff's Mumbai jig after that memorable NatWest Trophy win.

English and Australian media abhorred him. They called him Lord Snooty, arrogant, brash, questioned his attitude because they were not used to an Indian getting on their nerves. Call it their colonial mentality or a sense of superiority, but they never had an Indian cricketer giving them back in their mother tongue with equal vengeance. It was like a new Indian team for them. India were no longer a bunch of gentlemen losers but fighting warriors led by the Maharaja from Kolkata.

As a captain he gave equal respect to the decent demeanor of Dravids and Tendulkars as he gave freedom to the aggressive and younger lot of Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan. He never asked them to curb their natural aggression, instead shepherded them in a manner that each of them proved themselves as genuine match-winners.

Probably his fighting instincts were resultant of the fact that despite his talent and performance, he was always under the microscope. He was asked to prove himself time and again which he did. Even when the best of his supporters lost hope, he never gave up on himself. Whether it was the 1996 Test debut at Lords with a ton after his maiden ODI series in 1992 (where he was criticized for acting pricey) or his miraculous comeback in 2006 after the murky showdown with Greg Chappell backed by the slump in his form and change in the BCCI regime.

Every time he was out of the side, these lines of poet William Butler Yeats assured his fans:

"Surely some revelation is at hand...Surely the Second Coming is at hand The Second Coming!"

Alas! These lines will no more console his fans for Ganguly has finally decided to hang his boots and the blue jersey.

As they say 'all good things come to an end', it's time to accept the bitter truth that there won't be another 'Second coming' from the Prince!

http://cricket.ndtv.com/cricket/ndtvcricket/AusInd08/news_story.aspx?ID=SPOEN20080072016&keyword=news

Sourav

10th November 2008, 08:38 PM

Former captain Sourav Ganguly paid tribute to his senior team-mates after India wrapped up the Border-Gavaskar series 2-0 in Nagpur.

The convincing 172-run win sparked wild celebrations as Ganguly was carried off the field by his team-mates in what was his final international appearance.

Such scenes seemed unlikely at the start of the series when there were calls for the likes of Ganguly, Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and even Sachin Tendulkar to be overlooked in favour of younger players.

And Ganguly, retiring from Test cricket with an average of 42.17, expressed his delight at the impact the elder statesman had on the outcome of the series.

"We are the only side to have competed very well against Australia," said Ganguly.
Sacrifice

"This definitely holds well for Indian cricket in the future, but at the same time I think it just shows that the seniors are still good enough.

"I'm happy with the way things have gone. I've had a good series and we've beaten the best team in the world 2-0.

"There were a lot of doubts after we came back from Sri Lanka, but coming back and winning 2-0 is probably the best thing that could have happened.

"I've played well, the team has played well and the way this Test match has finished, I'm ready to sacrifice a year of Test cricket for that."

On the immediate future, Ganguly said: "I have two years remaining on my Indian Premier League contract and I must abide by that.

"I would also play a few matches for Bengal in the domestic circuit."

Ganguly - Perfect farewell
India talisman bows out on a high in Nagpur

Sourav

10th November 2008, 08:40 PM

[tscii:9a5e02a186]It was nice knowing you Dada!
New Delhi, November 10: Sourav Ganguly wouldn't have been himself had he scored a nondescript 30-odd in his final innings. Besides his divine strokes on the off-side one thing that 'Dada' always brought on the field was sense of theatre. Till the time Ganguly is in the middle, the show won't be devoid of drama!

The grimace after ducking down to every bouncer, the effort to look nonchalant after hitting a boundary or lofting a spinner for one of those – up-up-&-away sixes and of course the sheepish smile to the non-striker after fending off a bouncer, again!

These were but just a few things that Ganguly made his trademark and when he'll bid adieu to international cricket at the end of the Nagpur Test, their won't be a single cricket lover (irrespective of nationalities) worth his salt who can say that he won't miss Ganguly.

There are players who come, play and make the followers eat out of their hands by not just their performances but more so because of their persona. In tennis, Pistol Pete ruled the roost during the 90's but it was bad boy Agassi who made the crowd go berserk.

Even now, Federer may have just lost his No 1 spot but his dominance is unquestionable. Still even the staunchest of Federer supporters have a soft spot for his nemesis Rafael Nadal, for the simple reason that he brings the whole package to the court. The unbridled passion, rippling muscles and the 3/4th trousers simply add to the appeal!

Similarly, as far as cricketing matters are concerned Ganguly definitely doesn't belong to the same class as Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, nor can he be put in to the category of Rahul Dravid in terms of high level of concentration and technique. He is a scraper, a street fighter with a terrier-like spirit, which allows him to look right in the eye of the biggest bully in the park and tell him that he's in charge. And India, a nation not really awash with heroes, loved him for that.

Everyone will talk about the bare-chested Ganguly on the Lord's balcony and the shrewd captain who got the better of Steve Waugh even before the coin was tossed! But what people need to remember is that he's done a lot more than getting under the skin of the opposition. I mean the man has close to 20,000 runs in international cricket and 38 hundreds to his credit. In any other era, this record would have been that of the 'top dog' in the team. But as his name appeared in the team sheet along with that of a certain Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar hence he will always be remembered in the cricketing world as the 'wise Odysseus' like that in the Trojan War, the man who out thought the oppositions as well as found out their Achilles heel.

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/It-was-nice-knowing-you-Dada-/383786/[/tscii:9a5e02a186]

Sourav

11th November 2008, 06:48 AM

http://specials.rediff.com/cricket/2008/nov/10pic1.htm

Sourav

11th November 2008, 06:54 AM

[tscii:40d08b5123]Result shows seniors are good enough: Sourav
OUR CORRESPONDENT

Nagpur: Sourav Ganguly addressed the media for one last time as a player, at the end of the fourth Test against Australia here on Monday.

The following are excerpts

Your feelings after the series

I feel very happy to win the Test and the series. We played outstandingly. To win the series 2-0 against the best side in the world is very satisfying. After the first Test in Bangalore, I thought we dominated all the three Tests.

In the last six matches against Australia, we have won three and drawn three. What does it tell you about Indian cricket?

India have always played well against Australia, not only in Perth this year but also in the past. We are the only side, which has competed against them well. It holds good for Indian cricket in future. At the same time, it shows the seniors are good enough. My time is up, but Sachin, Rahul and Laxman are still fantastic.

On your retirement…

I have had my time. There is a time for everyone to leave. I am happy with the way things have gone. I had a good series, we have beaten the best team in the world. There were lots of doubts after we came back from Sri Lanka. But the way this series has finished, I am ready to sacrifice a year of cricket for that.

Any chance there might come a day when you reconsider your retirement?

No. No question of reconsideration. Like I said, the way this match finished, it’s probably one of the best finishes I have seen in terms of a team performance. I am ready to sacrifice 10-12 Test matches for this performance.

Did the events of the last Test against Australia here in 2004 come to your mind?

I don’t want to talk about the past. Things happen in sport, you play well sometimes you don’t play well sometimes. Nagpur has been a happy hunting ground for the team. We once again proved that we are a good team.

Greg Chappell….

(Cuts in) Let’s keep the controversy away. It’s a happy day for Indian cricket. The Greg Chappell issue has been over and done with. Let’s not bring that again, let’s respect him. Let’s respect whatever has happened.

The one thing you would take with you from your career

I think toughness. It was more than what many people thought I had. I have had questions asked right through my career. I am happy that I have overcome all of them and am here today because of my ability and toughness.

How was it to be asked by Mahendra Singh Dhoni to be the honorary captain for a few overs?

I’d already switched off... He woke me up and I didn’t know what was happening. Luckily, it was already nine down... I did it for three overs and then said to him it’s his job...

What do you think of Dhoni’s captaincy?

He has done well so far. He’s won in T20 World Cup, in Australia in the ODIs and beat Australia here. He has got the ability to take Indian cricket forward. Dhoni’s got the spark on the field and, like me, isn’t much of a drawing-board captain... He also has the luck which captains need.

You took your shirt off (after the end of the match) again…

They (fans) were waving at me, and just I took if off and gave my shirt.

It’s been a long journey…

It’s been satisfying to get a 100 in my first Test and captain India in 49 Tests, and building a team and players which has helped take Indian cricket forward. If anybody had told me that I would go through all this, I wouldn’t have believed him. But God has been kind to me and I have been able to finish off with a win for Indian cricket.

Any plans to pen an autobiography?

Will see. It takes a lot of time and patience. I don’t know if I have the patience.

What you think is your legacy?

It’s not just me since I have always believed a captain is as good as his team. It’s the raising of Indian cricket’s image in the world. The phase from 2000 to 2005 and even now it is continuing, the Indian cricket’s image has gone up. We were seen as a soft touring side. It has changed considerably. I think we are a formidable side home and away.

What about India’s fast bowling?

Ishant, Zaheer and Sreesanth — I have a lot of faith in Sreesanth. Hopefully, he gets his head right and gets back into the game. But they will miss Kumble overseas because it is not just about taking wickets but also about controlling the game. Hopefully, Bhajji will take that responsibility.

The crowd was really cheering for you…

It shows your contribution to the game. These people didn’t have an agenda... I’ll cherish this for life.

Did the events of Sydney Test play a role in India’s win?

It’s a long way behind and to be honest, every game is a new game. When you play such a strong team, you wake up and perform everyday.

Which do you consider to be your best win?

My best series will be the 2001 and 2003-04 series against Australia. We have won at other places as well, in Pakistan, the West Indies and England, but those two series will be my best.

Your opinion about Ishant Sharma

He has got an outstanding future. It will depend on selectors and MS, how they handle him. He has to be given breaks and kept fresh.

Captaincy, batting or the comeback, which of the three would you like to be known for?

All the three. It will be very difficult to separate any one of them. Captaincy, I just did what I believed was right. I was lucky to have Sachin, Rahul, Laxman, Sehwag and Harbhajan probably playing their best cricket at that stage between 2000 and 2005. That definitely helped.

Were you disappointed with the last-ball duck?

I was more disappointed with the 85 I got. I was so close to getting a hundred.

Wasn’t it a bit dramatic?

I don’t know whether one duck made my career dramatic. It was dramatic in any case.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1081111/jsp/sports/story_10093357.jsp[/tscii:40d08b5123]

Sourav

11th November 2008, 06:58 AM

[tscii:ace58e4cf4]Shirt in air, replay of Kodak moment
LOKENDRA PRATAP SAHI
Sourav tosses his shirt towards a throng of fans after the Nagpur Test on Monday. Telegraph picture

Nagpur, Nov. 10: Had the occasion been different, the day would’ve belonged entirely to Team India and not any individual. It actually turned out to be Sourav Ganguly’s day, though, his last in the India colours.

Clearly, the mind-blowing 172 runs win over Australia, which gave India the series 2-0 and the No.2 position in the ICC Test rankings, got eclipsed by the absolute frenzy over Sourav.

Sourav was cheered throughout and there were new banners at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha. From ‘Sourav tussi na jao’ to ‘Why are you quitting so soon? Your fans are upset’.... The touching ‘Dada can never retire from our hearts’ was there as well.... Honestly, it couldn’t have been much more overwhelming at the Eden.

Then, when Mahendra Singh Dhoni asked Sourav to lead at the fall of the ninth wicket, there was a roar which could’ve been heard in Behala.

That, of course, was gesture No. 2 from Dhoni. The first had been in the morning, when he made Sourav lead the team on to the park after the equivalent of a guard of honour.

Guns didn’t boom, but had a salute been given, it would’ve comprised 21 guns.

“It was touching.... That gesture did make me emo- tional,” Sourav told The Telegraph after his last media conference as an India cricketer.

Forget being mobbed on flights and at team hotels, he had to struggle to get past the media.

Sourav led for just three overs (two short of his assignment) before handing the captaincy back to Dhoni. “I’d already switched off.... He woke me up and I didn’t know what was happening. Luckily, it was already nine down.... I did it for three overs and then said to him it’s his job....”

There was a gesture from Sourav too: he did a Lord’s by taking off his shirt. Only, unlike what happened after the 2002 NatWest final, he threw the shirt down from the dressing room for fans who’d been screaming for a souvenir.

Breaching security, hundreds had managed to come almost within hand-shaking distance of Sourav and the rest of the team. They weren’t, however, much interested in the others.

If they could, they wouldn’t have let Sourav go.

The affection shown over the five days moved Sourav. “The people (who cheered) didn’t have an agenda.... I’ll cherish this for life.”

Sourav had nice words for Dhoni, who has begun his innings as Team India’s full-fledged captain with such a gem of a win.

“Dhoni’s got the spark on the field and, like me, isn’t much of a drawing-board captain.... He also has the luck which captains need,” Sourav pointed out.

With the ride on MoS Ishant Sharma’s Toyota becoming a substitute for a lap of honour, there was none for Sourav, though he’d been chaired off by the Harbhajan Singhs.

Getting back to Dhoni’s gestures, they didn’t stop at Sourav. He invited Anil Kumble, the captain at the start of the series, to accompany him at the presentation ceremony.

The former captain declined and, so, Dhoni collected the sponsor’s trophy alone. He invited Kumble again, this time to join him in receiving the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar waiting, Kumble couldn’t say no.

Kumble captained in two Tests (first and third, after which he quit), but the wins came under Dhoni, who promises to be a Dada with a difference.

Sourav twirls his shirt at Lord’s in 2002. (PTI)
BARE-DEVIL
If Sourav Ganguly’s captaincy was known for naked aggression, its trademark moment came on July 13, 2002. Sourav took off his shirt on the Lord’s balcony and twirled it, baring his chest and shouting four-letter words, after India’s thrilling win over England in the NatWest Series final. Many people frowned on the “un-gentlemanly conduct” in cricket’s most hallowed surroundings, but it was apparently a tit-for-tat for Andrew Flintoff ’s similar act after England beat India in an ODI in Mumbai months earlier. Kapil Dev termed it a turning point in Indian cricket history, showing the team was at last ready to give as good as it got. “For people of an older generation like me, it was a tremendous occasion. It marked the beginning of a new India. It was just unbelievable and fantastic,” he said.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1081111/jsp/frontpage/story_10093940.jsp[/tscii:ace58e4cf4]

Sourav

11th November 2008, 07:13 AM

[tscii:67608f7b4f]Ganguly, the last Bengali hero

Sagarika Ghose | CNN-IBN

Posted on Nov 11, 2008 at 02:54 0 Comments Email Print
Tags: Sourav ganguly, ,

'United' India thrash Aussies to regain Trophy
Ganguly looks back on his phenomenal journey
Goodbye Dada: Sourav Ganguly special
In pics: Goodbye Dada, a perfect farewell
Thanks to MSD, Dada bows out as captain

Read More »

The end of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has turned a chapter in Indian cricket in more ways than one. Anil Kumble retired after the Delhi Test and now it was the turn of Sourav Ganguly to take his last bow. It was an emotional day for the entire nation as Ganguly ended his Test career in Nagpur on Monday. The roar of the Royal Bengal Tiger will now fall silent.

The question asked on CNN-IBN show Face the Nation was – Is Sourav Ganguly the last Bengali hero?

On the panel of experts to debate the topic were senior journalist and author of Sourav Ganguly's biography - Maharaja of Indian Cricket Debasish Datta; eminent movie director Anurag Basu and advertising professional Oindrilla Dutt.

Why is Sourav Ganguly such a big hero?

Debasish Datta began the debate saying that in the present scenario there is a dearth of heroes in West Bengal and Ganguly's stature in not only the state of West Bengal but in the entire nation is unmatched and the former Indian captain is indeed the 'best Bengali under the sun.'

"First of all, if you call Sourav Ganguly a Bengali hero, people will call us parochial. Ganguly never initiated any step that encouraged selection of players from Bengal or the East zone. He believed if you have ability, only then can you be picked. He was an Indian and he is above all these things. As Bengalis we are proud of him as after Pankaj Roy, there wasn't any Bengali cricketer who was so successful in the international arena. Also, football in Kolkata is also going down. So, there was no hero as far as sports is concerned and after Amartya Sen and Buddhadev Bhattacharya, the young generation had nothing to do but encourage Sourav. For the moment, I do go with the motion that Sourav at the moment is the best Bengali under the sun," said Datta.

Oindrilla Dutt believed Ganguly was so successful because he is an antithesis of a Bengali.

"His un-bengaliness, his attitude and never-say-die spirit is his biggest contribution to our cricket team. It may have been important at one point in time to be a gentleman and do the right thing but I would rather see the team win. Sourav taught them that 'you don't have to always roll over and die, you don't have to first blink first in a confrontation if you are right.' He taught them to believe in themselves and to fight for what they believed in. That, I think, in hindsight will be seen as one major contribution," explained Dutt.

Ganguly - A hero of 'New India'

Anurag Basu thought that Ganguly's values were that of 'New India' that is brash, smart and flamboyant.

"He proved to the world that Bengalis are aggressive too. He was the example of the new generation. He had strength, tenacity and aggression. Taking Sourav's example, I am sure there will be a lot of more Bengali heroes in the future. I think he inspired a whole generation. He has inspired me and he has inspired many Indian cricketers to shed their inferiority complex and told them that Indians are not going to be pushovers anymore. It's just not about Bengalis, it's about the legacy that he has left for India," said Basu.

Datta said that Ganguly's tenure as skipper saw him being at loggerheads with the selectors and with the opposition. But Ganguly's conviction saw the emergence of a new and confident Indian team.

"One thing I can tell you that when he was the captain he used to have constant fights with the selectors. While he was the captain, he had to fight a lot for Yuvraj Singh. It was a tough battle but he enjoyed that. And today he is very happy that when he is leaving the scene, five to six cricketers who are regulars in the national team have been handpicked by him. So his legacy is about picking the right people for the right job and also, the never-say-die attitude. He is the guy who told Steve Waugh to shut up and kept him waiting at the toss. Ian Chappell and other Australians were extremely unhappy about his indiscipline but that was a strategy," revealed Datta.

Dutt believed Ganguly has been an inspiration to an entire generation and has shown the way to success.

"I think he has shown the youth this is possible and hopefully there will be a lot of youngsters who will be inspired to achieve at the national level, not just in sports but in other fields as well," said Dutt.

Ganguly, an inspiration

Dutt asserted that Ganguly has instilled India with the much-needed killer instinct and his role as the skipper changed the way India played their cricket.

"If I had to rate his contribution, more than what he has performed with the bat and the ball, it is that instinct that he has instilled in the Indian team is fantastic. I don't think we had that before him. It was so important for us to be thought of as good guys and to do the right thing, play it fair, be nice. He taught us it is not about being nice but results is what matters," stated Dutt.

Datta revealed that Ganguly was always an extremely confident individual and it was his self-belief that made him stand out.

"Nobody can inject killer instinct, it is an inbuilt thing and Sourav had it. After 1992 when he was out of the Indian team, I asked him - 'Do you think you will be able to make a comeback?' He said - 'It's just a matter of time. I can tell you except Sachin Tendulkar, I can match anybody.' I also wondered if he is saying it just to make a statement but gradually when I spent more time with him, I realised that God has given him special abilities and a special confidence," said Datta.

However, Datta hailed Rabindranath Tagore as the greatest Bengali but said Ganguly has given the entire nation some of the biggest moments of joy after independence.

"Rabindranath Tagore will be the greatest Bengali because he won the Nobel prize but the joy and Ganguly has given us and the never-say-die attitude in the Indian team today that we see has been given by him," concluded Datta.

http://cricketnext.in.com/news/ganguly-the-last-bengali-hero/35494-18.html[/tscii:67608f7b4f]

Sourav

11th November 2008, 07:41 AM

[tscii:43edc613d6]ROBIN HOOD AND HIS BAND OF MAVERICKS
Bobilli Vijay Kumar I TNN

For someone born with a golden spoon in his hand, mouth and pocket, Sourav Ganguly’s life has been an exhilarating rollercoaster ride.
Yet, he has probably seen more downs than a luge-racer; he has endured more controversies than Britney Spears herself and has been subjected to more barbs than even a step-daughter. Yet, he sat through all this silently, with a smile on his face and an unshakeable desire in the heart to overcome.
One of the biggest cliches about him is that half the world loves him while the other half hates him. Here is a secret: there is another set of people, lurking in their closets, who quietly admire him; and yet another that simply can’t stand his guts. Ganguly, the cricketer, has mostly been like that: he evoked extreme emotions.
But Ganguly the person is nothing like that: beyond the field, in fact, he is quiet, dignified and extremely likeable. During the time he used to wear specs, he used to look the part too: sweet and innocent; it was impossible not to adore him or feel protective towards him then.
Even now, he rarely, if ever, says no to friends, fans or strangers; he doesn’t lose his cool or shirt easily and you have to be really unlucky (lucky?) to see his temper. He tries hard to accommodate everybody and is easily the most approachable cricketers in the Indian team. Yes, he is a true hero, a real gentleman, among stars.
For all his exploits and achievements, he has been called many, many things, mostly by staunch, almost blind, admirers. Yet, he was known as the Maharaja before he conquered hearts and became the Prince of Kolkata. God of the off-side, dada, dadi, Bengal Tiger are some of the titles that were lovingly bestowed on him.
For this writer, though, Ganguly is like the Robin Hood of English folklore. No, he didn’t exactly rob the rich to feed the poor; he didn’t really fight against tyranny or injustice either, as the Prince of Thieves had so enduringly done in medieval times. But in a queer sort of way, Ganguly symbolized the same fight: good over bad.
Around the time he took over India’s captaincy, in 2000, cricket was
trapped in the match-fixing
quagmire: fans had lost their faith and the biggest stars their luster and trustworthiness. Kapil Dev, Mohammed Azharuddin, Hansie Cronje, Shane Warne, Mark Waugh, virtually everybody, was tainted by doubts and accusations.
Worse, despite the rise and rise of Sachin Tendulkar and emergence of Rahul Dravid, India seemed to have lost the winning mantra; there was the express pace of Javagal Srinath and pinpoint accuracy of Anil Kumble too to fall back on but the victories had simply dried up. The team was on a downhill slide.
Ganguly rose to become a charming and ambitious leader. Seeing hunger and combativeness in a new bunch of youngsters, he devised his plans: he goaded each one of them, often through taunts and harsh words; then, he motivated them to set up goals and, eventually, inspired all of them to go do it.
Indeed, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Singh and Yuvraj Singh, among others, were all mavericks. They were hugely talented, like many Indian players before them, but they had one quality that the others didn’t have: they didn’t know fear. Ganguly turned them into intrepid fighters.
They fought aggression with hostility, words with abuses and stares with glares; they were not scared of anything, and slowly, they dared to dream big too. Ganguly was their lovable Robin Hood and they were his band of merry men. They all stood by each other and, together, waded through each fight, every controversy.
It is not surprising that the huddle, uniting the Indian team like never before, got invented somewhere around this time.
After conquering Australia at home, in the most sensational way possible, India started looking beyond. They were tired of their tigers-at-home-lambson-tour image anyway; Ganguly, with enough prodding from the Tendulkar-Dravid-Laxman-Kumble set, was now ready to take on the world.
It helped that Indian cricket was moving with the times too. To begin with, the country got its first foreign coach; then, a whole bunch of support staff was hired: a trainer, a physio, a video analyst and the list kept growing; India could take on anybody on equal terms hereafter.
After modest wins in Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Bulawayo (Zimbabwe), both before the cathartic victory over Australia at home, he hit pay dirt in Kandy (Sri Lanka); then the big ones followed: Port of Spain (West Indies), Leeds (England), Adelaide (Australia) and Rawalpindi (Pakistan). In between, he guided the team to the World Cup final in South Africa too.
The final frontier was still proving beyond them though: Tests were being won but series still remained elusive away from home. Meanwhile, Ganguly was going through his own problems: short-pitched nightmares, struggle for runs and finally the showdown with Greg Chappell. It was the ugliest fight in Indian cricket and it divided the country into two camps.
The pressure eventually got to Ganguly; many even felt he was wrongly thrown away from the team. But Robin Hood still had his merry men: they had faith in him, and in his ability to fight back. He began working on his fitness, and his batting, even as one door after another seemed to be shutting down.
But then, Robin Hood never believed in giving in. Ganguly too waited for his opportunity: it presented itself in South Africa, in late 2006, when the Indian run-machine spluttered big time. Under the most volatile circumstances, and Chappell’s not-so-benevolent eye, Ganguly completed a dramatic comeback.
Good had triumphed over ‘evil’ again. Slowly, Ganguly recovered his sublime touch; it didn’t take long for the team to embrace him too. As luck would have it, Chappell didn’t last long after that. Peace returned to Indian cricket soon and it resumed its journey towards the world’s highest perch.
That goal was eventually reached on Monday, providentially Ganguly’s last day in India’s colours. That it came at Nagpur, a place where his fall had really begun in 2004, is even more amazing. His successor, MS Dhoni, made it more memorable by letting him lead the team to victory.
Ganguly was the country’s most successful captain, both in One-dayers and Tests; he was one of the most graceful batsmen the game has seen, probably matchless on the off-side; he was easily one of the most controversial ones too. But above all, he was the Robin Hood of Indian cricket, the charismatic leader who changed the way India played its cricket.

SACHIN ON SOURAV: AS A PLAYER: He was a player who would take his time to settle down before going great guns. He was one player who batted like a millionaire and he liked to hit boundaries. AS A CAPTAIN: He was good at his job. His man-management was excellent. AS A PERSON: He has been a good friend. We would joke and fool around when we had the time and when we wanted to relax. We could be serious and concentrate on the game when it was important.

VIRU ON SOURAV: AS A PLAYER: He was absolutely fantastic. AS A CAPTAIN: He was a great captain and he deserves such a huge farewell.
AS A PERSON:
Always went out of his way to help his colleagues on and off the field.

LAXMAN ON SOURAV: AS A PLAYER: A prolific run-getter in both forms. A match-winner. AS A CAPTAIN: Very aggressive, one who gave confidence to his colleagues. Backed match-winners through thick and thin. AS A PERSON: Was great in the dressing room. A good friend to each of his teammates.

YUVRAJ ON SOURAV: AS A PLAYER:
He was a fine player all along.
AS A CAPTAIN: He was a very good captain.
AS A PERSON:
Notably good.

ZAHEER ON SOURAV: AS A PLAYER: He was a very confident batsman who knew his game well and played accordingly. AS A CAPTAIN: For any player it’s important to have the confidence of the captain and he gave me that confidence ever since I made my debut under him. He always backed his players. Under him we started winning abroad. AS A PERSON: He was very calm and very patient. He never overreacted or got angry.

RP ON SOURAV: AS A PLAYER: Any batsman who has survived for over 13 years, and has scored over seven thousand runs in Test cricket to has to be special. AS A CAPTAIN: He was also my first captain and one of the most successful captains the country has produced. AS A PERSON: He was a nice person, always willing to help his fellow players.

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOI&BaseHref=TOICH/2008/11/11&PageLabel=18&EntityId=Ar01800&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T

[/tscii:43edc613d6]

Sourav

11th November 2008, 07:43 AM

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOICH/2008/11/11/18/Img/Ar0180101.png

Sourav

11th November 2008, 07:45 AM

[tscii:824bce20b5]Innings over, what does Dada do now...
Sumit Mukherjee | TNN

Kolkata: As the sun set on Sourav Ganguly’s international career in Nagpur on Monday, the question doing the rounds is what will the southpaw do after his ‘voluntary retirement’. Given his standing in Indian cricket and his popularity among the masses, the options before Sourav are so many that he is likely to remain as busy after his retirement as he was during his playing days.
In the age of satellite television, it would be impossible for Sourav to stay away from the small screen. In fact, much before he decided to hang up his boots, Sourav had been talking to a quite a few television channels through his representatives to host programmes heavy on cricket content.
Now that BCCI’s diktats no longer apply to him, his market value will be much higher than other so-called experts. After all, ‘Dada’ has never shied away from speaking his mind, nor does he prefer the comfort of sitting on the fence. In the cliched world of TV commentary, Sourav will be a welcome change, but then such assignments call for full-time involvement. By his own admission, Sourav is not keen to take up TV commentary fulltime. He is clearly interested in sitting behind the microphone occasionally as his other commitments - so many and so diverse - do not allow him to take up commentary full-time.
Talk shows or reality shows could therefore be his cup of tea as it would require him to shoot only of a certain number of days. If things go as per the script, you could well see ‘Maharaj’ in a new avatar on the small screen in an interesting game show to be aired by a newly-launched Bengali channel.
An event manager made an interesting observation. “The fact remains that Sourav Ganguly never went out of fashion - not even when he was thrown out of the side. In fact, during the Chappell era when he spent one year in the wilderness, his stock went up as people from all walks of life sympathized with him. This rare phenomenon prompted a soft drink major to come up with the “bhoole to nahin...” ad. Retirement will hardly affect his market value,” he said.
Soon, it will be time for Sourav to chart out an alternate career that could keep him busy for the next 15-20 years during which, markets permitting, he can end up making more money than what he earned from playing cricket for the national team. He is entitled to a benefit match that the BCCI will be obliged to allot to him if a formal request comes in.
It’s also time for him to write his autobiography. Recently, Australian cricketers have shown a distinct liking for the written word and it is unlikely that Sourav will pass up such an opportunity to tell the world his story. When he eventually writes it expect it to be colourful and spicy and it will have publishers falling over themselves to bag the rights.
When he was captain, his columns used to fetch the highest price. He is now free to write again which may be competition for former cricketers. A whole new world waits for the cricketer when he opens a new chapter. Life begins afresh for Sourav Ganguly at 36.

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOI&BaseHref=TOICH/2008/11/11&PageLabel=18&EntityId=Ar01802&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T[/tscii:824bce20b5]

mgb

11th November 2008, 03:05 PM

P_R

11th November 2008, 03:13 PM

Ganguly had said that the words were thrust into his mouth by the Bengali magazine which did his interview. So he kind of distanced himself from most of the hard things he said (like MSD, the guy who was picked in his place). So I don't think Vengsarkar has any responding to do.

Perhaps he may want to comment on the Irani trophy drop. But I doubt if either party will insist on discussing that issue any more

Sourav

12th November 2008, 07:01 AM

[tscii:4f16315a83]‘I AM GOING AWAY A HAPPY MAN’
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOI&BaseHref=TOICH%2F2008%2F11%2F12&ViewMode=GIF&GZ=T&PageLabel=19&EntityId=Ar01900&AppName=1[/tscii:4f16315a83]

Sourav

15th November 2008, 10:06 AM

Silk and steel

With the bat in hand, Sourav Ganguly was all immaculate timing and delicate touches. As captain, he toughened India up, made them believe they could win against anyone

Kumar Sangakkara :notworthy:

November 14, 2008

Rahul Dravid said it right when he said, "On the off side, first there is god, and then there is Sourav Ganguly." :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:

Sourav burst upon international cricket with two centuries in his first two Tests, and went on to carve a niche for himself as one of the best batsmen in the modern game. With his retirement the game has lost a great player, a strong leader and a colourful and unpredictable character.

Sourav the batsman was an attacker, blessed with time and quick hands, a destructive square- cut and the most elegant of cover-drives. All these attributes I saw when I watched him on TV at Lord's during his debut, completely at ease in the big time, scoring a remarkably mature hundred. This maturity, which I believe comes of self-confidence and mental strength, marked him out as a future captain at a very early stage.

Sourav's batting was all about balance. He had a good stride forward or back, a strong and stable base, a heavy bat to add further to the weight transfer into the shot, and a still head. This enabled him to be dominant on either side of the wicket and to punish any bowler who offered him width.

The only delivery that troubled him consistently through his career - except at the start - was the short ball. The bouncer seemed to make him lose his stability and balance, making it somewhat awkward for him to play it. This perceived weakness has been a hot topic in most dressing rooms during pre-match meetings: how to shake him up with the short-pitched delivery - not always to get him out with it but to make him feel uncomfortable enough to commit an error in the execution of his strokes. The short ball was used extensively against him in Test cricket with some success, and also to a certain degree in ODIs. Whether this was the reason why such an able and talented batsman averaged only in the low 40s in Test cricket is a matter of debate and speculation.

He did manage to overcome this weakness sufficiently and become one of the mainstays of the Indian middle order. In fact, he later evolved his game to take advantage of the short-pitched ball. Though not a natural at the pull and hook, he would at times premeditate his shot based on the assumption that the ball would be short and set himself for it, trusting his eye and hands to rescue him if he guessed wrong. The hundred he scored in Brisbane during the historic tour of 2003-04 was for him a vindication of his self-belief and technique.

It was in the one-day arena that Sourav was most at home. Along with Sachin Tendulkar he formed one of the most feared and successful opening partnerships of all time. He was supremely able to dominate any bowling attack, scoring on both sides of the wicket, unafraid to use his feet to the fast bowlers, arrogantly exploiting the field restrictions by hitting over the top. He handled spin with ease, rotating the strike and clearing the boundary almost at will. I watched him do all this against Sri Lanka at Taunton in the 1999 World Cup, scoring a magnificent 183.

To me, his greatest contribution to Indian cricket was as captain. When first appointed, his attempts to not just earn but also demand respect from the opposition ended up with him spending time in the match referee's room on more than a few occasions.

His fiery attitude rubbed off on his team-mates and he seemed to create what seemed a new India. A team that believed in playing tough, in winning from any situation; that believed in themselves and each other

For Sourav, his only responsibility was to win games for India and imbue his team with a new strength of character and self-belief. He knew that his team was good enough to beat any opposition; his challenge was to make his team- mates believe it too. He never walked onto a cricket field to win friends, but instead did so with an arrogance and self-belief that irked almost everyone. He intentionally irritated the opposition. From keeping the opposing captain waiting at the toss, to playing verbal and mental games, he was a master at the art of gamesmanship. All this to give his team an advantage in a competition.

This fiery attitude did rub off on his team-mates and he seemed to create what seemed a new India. A team that believed in playing tough, in winning from any situation; that believed in themselves and each other; a team that revelled under pressure; and above all a team that played to win. His greatest achievement as captain would no doubt be the tour to Australia in 2004. The Indians dominated the Tests, making Australia scramble to save the series in their own backyard. That tour was marked by remarkable performances by Dravid, VVS Laxman and Sachin, but it is the captain who moulded the team into a winning unit.

Sourav's single-minded drive to be the best has coloured the perception others have of him. The people of Kolkata are devoted to their prince, and while some opposition players might not have him on their Christmas lists, they accord him grudging respect. He has annoyed and irked and he has amazed and thrilled. Sourav has not had everything his way. Friction with selectors, with his coach and administrators, has dogged the latter part of his career, and he has risen to meet all the challenges in his own way, with undeniable success.

He has been a magnificent player, not just for India but for all cricket. He has enjoyed great success and undergone myriad trials and tribulations. Fought for his rights and beliefs and led his team with courage and conviction. Now Dada walks away with his head held high, with that ever-present, almost arrogant half-smile, secure in his wonderful achievements, knowing that he did it his way.

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/378084.html[/tscii]

Sourav

15th November 2008, 10:13 AM

http://www.ddinews.gov.in/NR/exeres/E2811CA8-BD96-4070-92CC-FEB693B95DA6.htm

ajithfederer

18th November 2008, 01:53 AM

http://hawkeyeview.blogspot.com/2008/11/saurav-ganguly.html#links

Sourav

19th November 2008, 07:46 AM

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/DM/MADHURAI/2008/11/18/Article//016/18_11_2008_016_003.jpg

wrap07

20th November 2008, 01:24 PM

http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2008/nov/20ganguly-in-bcci-committee1.htm

Ganguly included in BCCI's Technical committee

November 20, 2008 12:28 IST

Barely a few weeks after retiring from international cricket, former India captain Sourav Ganguly [Images] was on Thursday nominated as a member of the Board of Control for Cricket in India's Technical Committee.

"Sourav Ganguly has been nominated to the Technical Committee of the BCCI," a press release from BCCI secretary N Srinivasan said.

Ganguly has the experience of close to 20 years of cricket behind him and will be a key addition to the Technical Committee, the powerful body which takes decisions on cricketing matters and rule changes.

The BCCI's technical committee is headed by former captain Sunil Gavaskar [Images] and also has former Test batsman Chetan Chauhan, national selector Kris Srikkanth among other members.

Following is the full list of technical committee members: Sunil Gavaskar (chairman), Chetan Chauhan, M V Sridhar, Biman Bhattacharjee, Milind Rege, Gyanendra Pandey, Kris Srikkanth, Sourav Ganguly, V K Ramaswamy, N Srinivasan.

Sourav

18th December 2008, 07:44 AM

[tscii:fa85297b1a]RANJI TROPHY PLATE GROUP SEMIS, BENGAL VS GOA
Ganguly turns out, on special request
With Hope Of Taking Bengal To Elite Group, Dada Gets Ready For Final Tango
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: It’s been a month, but on Wednesday at the Karnail Singh Stadium it was as if Sourav Ganguly’s international retirement never happened. There he was, bang in the middle of a practice session, bat in hand, trademark blue India jacket and cap firmly in place, band of mediamen and admirers in tow. The Bengal and Goa players training alongside were mere extras in a movie set.
Ganguly is here to play his last first-class match for Bengal in the Plate league semifinal, and a win will not only help them qualify for the Ranji Trophy Super League quarters but also ensure a berth in the Elite group next year. His mere presence is expected to be a morale booster, as coach Mohinder Amarnath said.
No one expects Ganguly’s post-retirement life to be uneventful. There’s the IPL, and many feel he has the acumen to contribute astutely on the administrative front. But all that is for later. For now, the former Indian skipper says he is not missing the buzz.
“I was requested to play this game and here I am,” he said, “It’s just been a month since Nagpur. I hope I can help Bengal win this game. Otherwise, I’ve had enough. I’ve led a very vigorous life for the past 13-14 years. This is my last first-class game. I’m doing my own work, setting up some businesses. At some point, a commentary stint will also happen. Right now there’s the school coming up in Salt Lake.”
But he did watch the Chennai Test with some anticipation. “It was a fabulous win,” he said, “But I did not miss being part of the action. It’s good to see the likes of Yuvraj Singh contributing. He’s got the ability to make runs at the Test level. Hopefully, he’ll turn ability into performance.”
Ganguly is also optimistic India will claim the No.1 spot in Tests soon, but added a rider. “The team’s real Test will come abroad. Also, the gap between Australia and the other teams, in terms of points on the ICC rankings, is huge.”

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOI&BaseHref=TOICH%2F2008%2F12%2F18&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T&PageLabel=14&EntityId=Ar01404&AppName=1

:redjump:[/tscii:fa85297b1a]

directhit

19th December 2008, 12:08 PM

Dada http://www.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/95200/95218.3.jpg :smokesmirk:
http://www.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/95100/95107.2.jpg :smokesmirk: :smokesmirk:

Sourav

19th December 2008, 03:16 PM

:bow: DH.. :P

Sourav

26th December 2008, 05:40 PM

‘A good Indian captain has to be thick-skinned’

Vijay Lokapally

NEW DELHI: In sharp contrast to his farewell at Nagpur last month, this was a quiet and unsung departure for Sourav Ganguly from the cricket field a few days ago. This one was final though. “You’ll never see me in whites,” he mumbled.

No trace of emotions as Ganguly walked away from cricket with a farewell first-class innings that was priceless for Bengal. Far away, in Mohali, the Indian team, which he once led with unprecedented success and authority, was engaged in a tense contest with England.

Ganguly had his feet firmly planted at the nondescript Karnail Singh Stadium in the capital but his mind was in Mohali.
Delighted for Dravid

When Rahul Dravid reached his fifty, Ganguly was relieved; and mighty delighted when Dravid scaled the century mark. A captain was reliving his past, only this time he was not around to pat his “dear friend” in the dressing room.

This was a different Ganguly, sans emotion. He was at peace with himself, pampering himself with a burger and chips. “Fitness can wait.”

Never the one to flaunt agility, he was now “enjoying” the “freedom” that allowed him to do what he always wanted — be Sourav Ganguly, a simple, but often misunderstood, cricketer.

It was said he had a clout that no India captain ever had. “That’s a fallacy,” he asserts. “Complete fallacy. I stood firm with certain players because I was the one to see them the closest — at nets, ground, dressing room, hotel room. I did put my foot down. Like taking Anil (Kumble) to Australia (2003-04) when the selectors preferred a left-arm spinner (Murali Kartik). A captain may not have a vote in selection but he certainly should have a say.”
Troubled times

When Ganguly assumed the responsibility in 2000, international cricket was reeling under the match-fixing scandal. India was not an exception. “Indian cricket was going through a lot of situations and we had to build a team from there. We had to pick a lot of new faces. I was worried if the boys would be able to handle the pressure. I knew I had to build a team and that’s why I sought the support of former players and the press.”

Ganguly was known to put his foot down; like backing Harbhajan Singh in 2001. The off-spinner never fails to acknowledge the support. Left to the selectors, Virender Sehwag would have been playing the Hong Kong Sixes but for Ganguly.

“I backed Viru for that South Africa tour (2001). There were important people who actually said Sehwag had no clue about fast bowling. They (fast bowlers) would clean him up. The selectors said Viru should be sent to Hong Kong Sixes. Look where Sehwag is today.”
Wrong conception

Yes, we all know where Sehwag is today. But what about Kartik? “Again a wrong conception that I did not like him because I was good against left-arm spinners. I just couldn’t have played him ahead of Kumble or Harbhajan. I had to pick two of the best spinners and they happened to be Kumble and Harbhajan. Why, Kartik was not picked even when I was not the captain. He never got to play consistently. When either Kumble or Harbhajan was not available, Kartik got to play.”

There were other instances when Ganguly backed his players. In one instance Dravid was not even in the scheme of things when the selectors met to pick a one-day team. Ganguly stood firm and the meeting ended with Dravid as the vice-captain.

“That was my job. Look how Dravid backed Sehwag to the hilt. It is no secret.” Well, Ganguly took some crucial decisions like asking Dravid to keep the wickets, or asking Sehwag to open the innings.

One crucial decision that Ganguly had no hand in was asking V.V.S. Laxman to bat at No. 3 in that epic 2001 Test at Kolkata against Australia. “That innings changed our team. VVS really changed the attitude of that team. That innings made us believe that we could beat any team in the world.”
Secret of success

Ganguly is credited, and rightly too, with transforming the way Indians played overseas. He blushes when he says, “Well, we won when I wasn’t the captain. The difference was we started winning overseas more consistently and that was because of the quality of players we had. We had players like Sachin (Tendulkar), Dravid, Kumble, Sehwag, Laxman, myself playing at their peak. We were almost the same age and keen to change the impression that India was soft when playing overseas. We played with aggression and it came with the foreign coach (John Wright). He played a big role, a very big role.”

So, how was Ganguly different as a captain? “What can I say? From personal experience, I knew the pressure that playing for India creates. It is hard to deliver always. I told the players to forget the pressure and not worry about their place in the XI. Just go and perform with the backing of the team. It was not just my backing that mattered. Let me say this for the all times to come that the captain is as good as the team. A captain has to create the right atmosphere to perform. It is important to pick the right player and allow them to perform freely.”
New aspects

Even as Ganguly grew in stature as leader of men, he discovered new aspects of captaincy. “Time management became very crucial for me. A captain has to give time to his team. It will grow tougher and tougher now. I had decided early not to worry about what people say. I had to do what I thought and not what others thought. To be a good captain in India, you have to be thick-skinned. That is why (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni is a good captain.”

As he packs his kit and looks forward to a life away from active cricket — running his family’s printing business, attending to his coaching academy and opening an educational institute — one is tempted to ask Ganguly his favourite moment. “My first Test hundred (Lord’s, 1996). If I had not got runs that day, you wouldn’t have been talking to me today”

http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/25/stories/2008122557132000.htm