‘Real OG of Indian Cricket’ – Fans celebrate 51st birthday of former Indian skipper, Sourav Ganguly

The former skipper of the Indian Cricket Team, Sourav Ganguly is celebrating his 51st birthday on the 8th of July 2023. Being India’s one of the most controversial and combative cricket captains, Ganguly is known for transforming the face of Indian cricket which earned global respect for a team that had struggled in adverse situations.

Ganguly made his international debut in 1996, fulfilling India’s need for a talented left-handed top-order batter. His Test debut at the historic Lords Cricket Ground was a memorable one as he crafted a magnificent 131 runs, the highest score by a debutant at Lords. His innings did not just help India to secure a lead against England but also cemented his place in the Indian team.

In the 1999 World Cup in England, Ganguly produced his career-best knock of 183 runs off just 158 balls in a match against Sri Lanka, making him the second-highest scorer in a World Cup innings by an Indian at the time. His 318-run partnership with Rahul Dravid partnership remains the highest in World Cups and the second-highest in ODI cricket.

The Bengal Cricketer was appointed the captain of the Indian cricket team in the wake of the match-fixing scandal. Under Ganguly’s captaincy, India jointly won the 2002 Champions Trophy along with Sri Lanka as the final was washed out due to rain. He also led India to the final of the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

Ganguly’s second innings after retiring from International cricket

Ganguly’s iconic celebration at Lord’s balcony after the Natwest Trophy win in 2002 to is still fresh in the minds of cricket fans. India registered a famous chase of 328 runs with five wickets down for under 150 runs. Ganguly’s young brigade, led by Mohammed Kaif and Yuvraj Singh, orchestrated a sensational comeback. After Kaif hit the winning runs, Ganguly’s exuberant celebration caught the headlines.

After taking retirement in 2008, Ganguly held significant roles in Cricket Administration roles. He served as the President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). He has also been the president of the Indian Cricket Board from 2019 to 2022. Currently, he is the Director of Cricket for the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Let’s have a look at how people wished him on his special day