Sourav Ganguly Celebrates His Birthday: A Look Back at His Illustrious Cricket Career
Sourav Ganguly, a legendary cricketer, is celebrating his birthday on July 9th. Known for his exceptional batting skills and leadership, Ganguly is a name that changed the course of Indian cricket. As the captain of the Indian team, he led the team to new heights and broke several records.
Early Life and Career
Born on July 8, 1972, in Kolkata, Ganguly made his Test debut against England in 1996. In his first Test match, he scored a brilliant 131 runs, showcasing his potential. He then became a regular member of the Indian team and formed a formidable opening pair with Sachin Tendulkar.
Captaincy and Leadership
Ganguly became the captain of the Indian team in 2000, a period when the team was going through a difficult phase. He brought in young players like Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, and Harbhajan Singh, and reshaped the team. Under his captaincy, the team won several matches and became a force to be reckoned with.
Notable Achievements
One of Ganguly’s most notable achievements was leading the Indian team to victory in the 2002 Champions Trophy. The team also reached the final of the 2000 Champions Trophy and the 2003 ODI World Cup. Ganguly also broke Australia’s undefeated campaign of 16 Test matches, winning the series 2-1.
Career Statistics
Ganguly played 113 Test matches, scoring 7212 runs and hitting 16 centuries. In ODI cricket, he scored 11363 runs, including 22 centuries and 72 half-centuries. He is considered one of the most successful captains of the Indian team.
Legacy
Sourav Ganguly’s legacy in Indian cricket is unparalleled. He is a name that is still revered by cricket fans around the world. His birthday is a reminder of his incredible achievements and the impact he had on the game.