- By Himanshu Badola
- Sat, 08 Jul 2023 05:34 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
JE Sports Desk: Sourav Ganguly is regarded as one of the most successful captains of India with an off-side game during batting unmatched to anyone. The former Indian skipper brought much-needed changes in Indian cricket that led to the betterment of the future only.
A team made around the youngsters with a few seniors alongside was led like a lion by Ganguly as India reached heights unlike ever before.
The Test victories on away soil and putting up tough challenges in front of the strong sides became a new normal for Men in Blue under Dada's leadership. Ganguly will always be remembered as someone who was ready to go to war for his players and also his kind gestures to bat down the order to groom youngsters.
He brought the best out of Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Virender Sehwag, and many more players who went on to have legendary careers and achieved a lot for the team and individually as well.
A long and loyal career full of runs, records, and off-course controversies always had Ganguly on the top of the headline during his cricketing days.
On the occasion of his 51st birthday, let's revisit a few memorable wins of the Indian team under Sourav Ganguly.
1. Natwest 2002 Final vs England
The iconic win at Lord's was one for the ages as Ganguly-led thrashed England on their home soil to clinch the Natwest series. There could be no Indian cricket fan who doesn't remember his famous celebration from the Lord's balcony, an action considered revenge against Andrew Flintoff.
The game witnessed everything, from a dream opening start to youngsters stepping up and a thrilling finish with a perfect celebration towards the end. India stepped up and completed their highest successful run chase at that time on the back of two youngsters in Mohammad Kaif and Yuvraj Singh.
2. Kolkata win over Australia in 2001
The memorable win at Eden Gardens still remains India's one of the finest victories in Test cricket. With a fearsome bowling unit and balanced batting lineup, Australia was unbeatable in the 2000s and was at the top of the world in cricket.
Even after being left behind earlier in the game, the Ganguly-led side never gave up and clinched the unthinkable after being asked to follow on. Performances from Dravid (180), VVS Laxman (281), and a hat trick by Harbhajan who picked 13 wickets in that match saw India register a famous win in Kolkata.
3. Famous win at Adelaide in 2003
India's tour to Australia in 2003 was one to remember as Ganguly led the team to a famous win at Adelaide. India wasn't expected to even challenge the Aussies with both teams heading to the 2nd Test. Especially after a remarkable innings from Ricky Ponting who smashed 242 runs and led Australia to a mammoth score of 556.
Once again, India denied giving up as Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman unite once again to produce yet another masterclass as they scored 233 and 148 runs respectively. They were well supported by Ajit Agarkar with a marvelous bowling performance as he picked up 6 wickets in the second innings.