Dubai: Sourav Ganguly has done it again. Ignored by his state's franchise and unsold in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 4 auction, the ‘Prince of Kolkata' was humiliated and yet he staged another comeback to prove that he was good enough to steer the Pune Warriors to victory. Ganguly's unbeaten innings of 32 may not be a big score but it is relevant in the context of his determination.
While Sachin Tendulkar's obsession lies in scoring runs, Ganguly's passion lies in proving a point to his critics — especially when they write him off. Cricket's most celebrated left hander enjoys the veneration that such moments afford him. This segment of his character can be attributed to the grueling examinations he has taken to reach the top of his profession.
In 1992, Ganguly toured Australia for the Benson and Hedges Series as a 19-year-old. He was dropped after a one-day game against the West Indies at Brisbane. The reason given was that he had scored only three runs from 13 balls but cricketers scoring ducks continued to get chances. It was also alleged that he was arrogant and refused to carry drinks for his team-mates.
Ganguly's battle against the odds began from that day. With a spectacular 171 in the 1995-96 Duleep Trophy he woke the selectors up from their slumber and got selected for the 1996 tour of England. He played a single one-day game and despite scoring 46 runs was not considered for the first Test. But fortune favours the brave and Ganguly's fortitude paid off. Before the commencement of the second Test, Navjot Singh Sidhu left the team, citing ill-treatment by then captain Mohammad Azharuddin, and the selectors had no option but to pick him.
Ganguly made his debut at the Lord's and scored a century to become only the third cricketer to achieve such a feat on debut at this historic venue. Following his 131 there, and 136 in the next Test at Nottingham, he cemented his place and then went on to become India's most successful captain.
Ganguly's authority was unchallenged till the entry of coach Greg Chappell. A rift with the latter saw him losing the captaincy and even his place in the team in 2006. But the warrior in him resurfaced. After being out of the team for 10 months, Ganguly staged a comeback in December 2006 with an unbeaten 51 and 25 in the first Test against South Africa at Johannesburg.
Just as his form was being analysed, he confounded his fans by declaring that the Australian series in 2008 would be his last as an international cricketer. Never shying away from having the last laugh, the elegant left-hander scored in excess of 500 Test runs against the world's number one Test team.
His final series forced the critics to sit back and contemplate if Ganguly had indeed been hasty in announcing his retirement. But ‘timing' has always been a hallmark of his personality. ‘Dada', as he is fondly called by team-mates and every genuine cricket-loving Indian, mocked his detractors to go out in a blaze of glory. Ganguly continued to walk tall after retirement basking in the love of his fans, this time as entrepreneur and cricket commentator. His legend remained intact till a fresh controversy with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and team owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders surfaced ahead of the fourth edition of the IPL.
Luck, however, remained a steadfast ally. An injury to Ashish Nehra ensured that Ganguly became a last-minute selection for the Pune Warriors. His indomitable spirit has once again been ignited. The enigma called Ganguly cannot be wished away.
SUMMARY
Since his Test comeback in December 2006 — he had appeared in 25 Tests, 48 innings, 5 not out, 1,991 runs, 46.30 ave, four 100s, 10 fifties, highest of 239 vs Pakistan at Bangalore, December, 2007
Since his ODI comeback in January 2007 — he had appeared in 32 ODIs, 30 innings, 2 not out, 1,240 runs, 44.29 ave, 12 fifties, highest of 98 v WI at Nagpur Jan 2007.
