Sourav Ganguly, fondly known as “Dada,” is a former Indian cricketer and one of the most influential figures in Indian cricket history. Born on July 8, 1972, in Kolkata, Ganguly played a pivotal role in transforming the Indian cricket team into a formidable force during his career.

Ganguly’s tenure as the captain of the Indian cricket team from 2000 to 2005 is considered a turning point for Indian cricket. Under his leadership, the team adopted an aggressive and fearless approach, marking a departure from the conservative style of play. Ganguly’s captaincy played a significant role in shaping the careers of several young cricketers who later became legends.

As a left-handed batsman, Ganguly was known for his elegant strokeplay and ability to score runs against any opposition. He amassed over 11,000 runs in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and over 7,000 runs in Test matches. Ganguly’s memorable partnerships and match-winning knocks are etched in the memory of cricket enthusiasts.

Beyond his batting prowess, Ganguly’s astute cricketing acumen and leadership skills were highly regarded. He guided the Indian team to several historic victories, both at home and abroad, including a Test series win in Pakistan in 2004.

Ganguly’s contributions to Indian cricket extended beyond his playing career. He later served as the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and played a vital role in shaping the direction of Indian cricket administration.