My Prince of Kolkatta
I have been a fan of Sourav Ganguly since his Toronto days where he was re-discovered. After toronto he became Geoffrey Boycott’s ’’Prince of Calcutta’’ and Sachin’s ’’Secret Weapon’’. He was a major factor in India’s 4-1 triumph over their archrivals Pakistan. In a marvelous all round performance Ganguly scored 222 runs with the bat including 2 fifties. He also played a crucial role with the ball as he grabbed 15 wickets in that series including a haul of 5-16 in the third match, which enabled India to win the Cup. Ganguly won four man of the match awards out of the five games.
I being from Mumbai, my choice of Saurav ganguly as a favorite player is often laughed at as Sachin rules in Mumbai more than any other place in the world. Sachin is.... well Sachin, no doubt one of the best players in the world but Sourav has a special place in my heart.
Reasons???? I have plenty on them!!!!
I got a very special birthday present from my favorite cricketer during the 1999 world cup. His highest score in ODI of 183 runs was scored on 26th May, my day!!! He cleared each and every boundary fence during that magnificent inns of 183(158) that included 17 hits to the fence and 7 towering hits over it. What more can a fan ask for???
He has not lost his class and elegance even after achieving one of the hottest post in the country.... that of the captain of the India cricket team. His coveted throne is full of thorns. People of India love to worship cricketers when they win and probably love to hate them even more when they loose. The lunatic actions of cricket fans after India lost badly against Australia proves this. If anyone has kept the team together during these trying times, its Saurav. Sourav has not been shy of taking on responsibility. On many occassions he has assumed the role of the aggressor allowing Sachin Tendulkar to bat normally. ’’Every individual needs to be handled differently. One person might need a pat on the back. Another, an arm around the shoulder. But to seniors like Azhar, Sachin, Ajay, Anil and Javagal, a quiet word would do, ’’ Ganguly said in Cricket Talk on the kind of Captain he would like to be. This showcases his sensibility at a young age.
He has the talent, class, elegance, aggression, leadership and foresight a world cup winning captain should have. So fans don’t loose hope…. we have some great cricket ahead…. Sitback and ENJOY!!!!