50 Surprising Facts About Sourav Ganguly: The Untold Story of India’s Cricket Prince

Sourav Ganguly, affectionately known as “Dada” by his fans, is one of the most iconic figures in Indian cricket history. While many know him as a former captain and left-handed batsman, there’s much more to this cricketing legend than meets the eye. In this article, we’ll explore 50 fascinating and lesser-known facts about Sourav Ganguly that will give you a deeper appreciation for the man who transformed Indian cricket and continues to shape its future.

Early Life and Background

1. Sourav Ganguly was born on July 8, 1972, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), West Bengal. He grew up in the city’s Behala neighborhood, which has since become a pilgrimage site for cricket fans.
2. He comes from a wealthy family; his father, Chandidas Ganguly, was a successful businessman. The family owned a successful printing business, which allowed young Sourav to focus on his cricketing pursuits without financial worries.
3. Ganguly’s nickname “Maharaja” (Great King) stems from his family’s affluent background. This moniker followed him throughout his career, often used by commentators and fans alike.
4. He initially wanted to become a footballer but was discouraged by his parents due to academic pressures. Kolkata’s rich football culture had a strong influence on young Ganguly, but cricket eventually became his calling.
5. Ganguly’s elder brother, Snehasish, was also a cricketer who played for Bengal in domestic cricket. Snehasish’s involvement in cricket played a significant role in shaping Sourav’s early interest in the sport.
6. He studied at St. Xavier’s School, Kolkata, known for its strong cricket program. The school has produced several other notable cricketers, including former Indian captain Ravi Shastri.
7. Ganguly was a left-handed batsman but bowled right-arm medium pace. This ambidexterity would later contribute to his versatility on the cricket field.

Early Cricket Career

1. Ganguly made his first-class debut for Bengal in 1989 at the age of 16. This early start in top-level domestic cricket helped shape his skills and temperament.
2. He scored a century in his Ranji Trophy debut against Odisha in 1990. This impressive start marked him as a player to watch in Indian domestic cricket.
3.  Ganguly’s Test debut came in 1996 against England at Lord’s, where he scored a memorable century. This innings of 131 remains one of the most celebrated debut performances in cricket history.
4.  He was dropped from the Indian team after his debut tour and had to wait four years for his next opportunity. This period of exclusion fueled Ganguly’s determination to succeed at the international level.
5.  Ganguly’s ODI debut was against West Indies in 1992, but he was dropped after a single match. It would be another four years before he established himself as a regular in the ODI team.

Captaincy and Leadership

1.  Ganguly became the captain of the Indian cricket team in 2000, succeeding Sachin Tendulkar. His appointment came at a turbulent time for Indian cricket, following the match-fixing scandal.
2.  Under his captaincy, India won 21 out of 49 Test matches, a record at the time. This success rate transformed India into a competitive force in Test cricket, especially in overseas conditions.
3.  He led India to their first Test series win outside the subcontinent in over a decade, defeating England in 2002. This victory at Headingley was a watershed moment for Indian cricket.
4.  Ganguly’s captaincy was known for nurturing young talent, including players like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Zaheer Khan. His ability to spot and back young talent significantly strengthened Indian cricket’s bench strength.
5.  He famously waved his shirt from the Lord’s balcony after India’s dramatic NatWest Series win in 2002. This iconic moment symbolized a new, more aggressive Indian cricket team that wasn’t afraid to give as good as it got.

Records and Achievements

1.  Ganguly is the third-highest run-scorer for India in ODIs, with 11,363 runs. Only Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli have scored more runs for India in this format.
2.  He holds the record for the highest individual score by an Indian batsman in a Cricket World Cup match (183 against Sri Lanka in 1999). This innings at Taunton showcased Ganguly’s ability to dominate world-class bowling attacks.
3.  Ganguly is the fastest to reach 9,000 runs in ODI cricket. He achieved this milestone in just 228 innings, demonstrating his consistency and prolific run-scoring ability.
4.  He is one of only three players to achieve the unique treble of 10,000 runs, 100 wickets, and 100 catches in ODI cricket. This statistic underlines Ganguly’s all-round contributions to the game.
5.  Ganguly has scored 16 centuries in ODIs while chasing, second only to Sachin Tendulkar. His ability to pace an innings and handle pressure while chasing made him a valuable asset to the Indian team.

Personal Life and Interests

1.  Ganguly married Dona Roy in 1997, his childhood sweetheart, in a much-publicized wedding. Their love story, which began in their teenage years, captured the public’s imagination.
2.  He has a daughter named Sana, born in 2001. Ganguly has often spoken about how fatherhood changed his perspective on life and cricket.
3.  Ganguly is a devoted fan of football and supports Manchester United. His love for football reflects the sports culture of Kolkata, where football and cricket enjoy equal popularity.
4.  He has a keen interest in politics and was offered a ticket to contest elections, which he declined. However, his administrative roles in cricket have allowed him to utilize his leadership skills off the field.
5.  Ganguly is known for his love of sweets, particularly Bengali mishti (traditional sweets). His fondness for rasgulla and sandesh is well-documented in various interviews.

Post-Retirement Career

1.  After retiring from international cricket in 2008, Ganguly became a cricket commentator. His insightful analysis and forthright opinions made him a popular figure in the commentary box.
2.  He served as the President of the Cricket Association of Bengal from 2015 to 2019. In this role, he focused on improving cricket infrastructure in West Bengal.
3.  In October 2019, Ganguly was appointed as the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). His tenure has seen several significant changes in Indian cricket administration.
4.  He has been involved in various business ventures, including a TV production company. Ganguly’s business acumen has helped him transition successfully from cricket to entrepreneurship.
5.  Ganguly launched his own reality show called “Dadagiri Unlimited” in 2009. The show, which ran for several seasons, showcased his charismatic personality and connection with fans.

Lesser-Known Trivia

1.  Ganguly is ambidextrous and can write with both hands. This unique ability has occasionally come in handy during his cricket career and personal life.
2.  He has a superstition of wearing his right pad first before going out to bat. Many cricketers have such rituals, and Ganguly’s attention to this detail was part of his pre-innings routine.
3.  Ganguly once worked as a ticket collector for Indian Railways for a brief period. This little-known fact about his early career shows his willingness to work hard and pursue different opportunities.
4.  He is an avid reader and has a particular interest in Bengali literature. Ganguly often speaks about the influence of literature on his life and thinking.
5.  Ganguly has a fear of flying, which he has had to overcome throughout his cricketing career. Despite this phobia, he managed to travel extensively for his cricketing commitments.
6.  He is known for his punctuality and often arrives early for meetings and events. This trait has served him well in his administrative roles post-retirement.
7.  Ganguly has a diploma in business management from Jadavpur University. This educational background has helped him in his various leadership and business roles.
8.  He is a trained classical musician and can play the sitar. This lesser-known talent showcases Ganguly’s artistic side, which is often overshadowed by his cricketing achievements.
9.  Ganguly has authored two books: “A Century is Not Enough” and “Eleven Gods and a Billion Indians.” These books provide insights into his cricketing journey and philosophy.
10.  He is a brand ambassador for several companies and has appeared in numerous advertisements. Ganguly’s marketability has remained strong even years after his retirement from cricket.
11.  Ganguly has a street named after him in Kolkata: “Sourav Ganguly Avenue.” This honor reflects his iconic status in his hometown.
12.  He is a patron of the Gautam Gambhir Foundation, which works for underprivileged children. Ganguly’s involvement in philanthropic activities showcases his commitment to giving back to society.
13.  Ganguly has been awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors. This award recognizes his contributions to Indian cricket both as a player and administrator.
14.  He is known for his love of spicy food, particularly Bengali cuisine. Ganguly’s fondness for dishes like Kosha Mangsho (spicy mutton curry) is well-known among his fans.
15.  Ganguly has a collection of luxury watches and is often seen wearing high-end timepieces. This collection reflects his taste for fine craftsmanship and style.
16.  He is an advocate for women’s cricket and has supported its development in India. Under his BCCI presidency, there have been increased efforts to promote women’s cricket.
17.  Ganguly has a degree in History from Presidency College, Kolkata. His educational background in humanities has contributed to his well-rounded personality.
18.  He is known for his sharp wit and has often engaged in friendly banter with other cricketers and commentators. Ganguly’s sense of humor and quick retorts have made him a favorite in cricketing circles.

Sourav Ganguly’s Career Statistics

Impact on Indian Cricket

Ganguly’s influence on Indian cricket extends far beyond his statistical achievements. As a captain, he instilled a sense of self-belief in the team, particularly when playing overseas. His aggressive leadership style changed the way Indian cricket was perceived globally, transforming the team from being considered “tigers at home, lambs abroad” to a force to be reckoned with in all conditions.

His support for young talent helped create a new generation of Indian cricketers who went on to achieve great success. Players like Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni, and Harbhajan Singh, who were backed by Ganguly early in their careers, became pillars of Indian cricket in the following years.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

Even after retirement, Ganguly’s influence on Indian cricket remains significant. As the President of the BCCI, he has been instrumental in several key decisions, including the introduction of day-night Test matches in India and pushing for a four-nation super series involving India, Australia, England, and another top team.

His journey from a talented young batsman to the “Prince of Calcutta,” and eventually to one of the most powerful figures in world cricket administration, serves as an inspiration to many. Ganguly’s story is not just about cricketing achievements but also about leadership, resilience, and the ability to evolve with changing times.

Takeaways

Sourav Ganguly’s life and career offer a fascinating study of a cricketer who transformed into a leader, both on and off the field. From his early days as a prodigious talent to his current role as a cricket administrator, Ganguly has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket.

These lesser-known facts about Sourav Ganguly provide a glimpse into the multifaceted personality behind the cricketing legend. They reveal a man of diverse interests, strong convictions, and a deep commitment to the sport he loves. Ganguly’s journey from a privileged background in Kolkata to becoming the face of Indian cricket’s resurgence is a testament to his dedication, skill, and leadership abilities.

As he continues to shape the future of Indian cricket in his administrative role, Ganguly’s legacy as a player, captain, and cricket visionary remains secure. His story continues to inspire new generations of cricketers and sports enthusiasts, showcasing how talent, when combined with determination and leadership, can have a transformative impact on a nation’s sporting culture.

Whether it’s his aggressive captaincy, his elegant off-side play, or his current efforts to modernize Indian cricket administration, Sourav Ganguly remains a pivotal figure in the world of cricket. His contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, ensure that the name Sourav Ganguly will forever be synonymous with the rise and dominance of Indian cricket on the world stage.

Information Sources:

1. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) – www.bcci.tv
2. International Cricket Council (ICC) – www.icc-cricket.com
3. ESPN Cricinfo – www.espncricinfo.com
4. “A Century is Not Enough” by Sourav Ganguly and Gautam Bhattacharya
5. “Eleven Gods and a Billion Indians” by Boria Majumdar
6. Cricket Association of Bengal – www.cricketassociationofbengal.com
7. Various reputable sports news websites and interviews with Sourav Ganguly
8. Jadavpur University – www.jaduniv.edu.in
9. Presidency University, Kolkata – www.presiuniv.ac.in
10. Gautam Gambhir Foundation – www.gautamgambhirfoundation.org
11. “Fire Burns Blue: A History of Women’s Cricket in India” by Karunya Keshav and Sidhanta Patnaik
12. “Winning Like Sourav: Think & Succeed Like Ganguly” by Abhirup Bhattacharya
13. Various articles from The Times of India, Hindustan Times, and The Indian Express