A Tribute to DADA--- Early Days

Sourav Ganguly is one of the very rare players, who kept the news writers busy, both through his on as well as off – field activities. He is such an illustrious name in cricketing world, which needs no introduction.

Controversy’s favorite child, his middle name is often mistaken as Controversy while ironically his middle name does start with the 3rd letter of the English alphabet. Sourav Chandidas Ganguly or universally Sourav CONTROVERSY Ganguly… Photo: Sourav first tour

Let us roll back to the early 90s and you will find out this name Sourav Ganguly who was drafted into the Indian squad which toured Australia for the Benson and Hedges Trophy 1991/92.. A solitary appearance with a stay at the crease that lasted thirteen balls fetching three runs would never make news, would they? He did not make news for the right reasons. Ganguly allegedly refused to carry drinks onto the field. This obviously did not go well with the “seniors” and the team management and was duly dropped.. “ARROGANCE” the reason.. , One of the stand out character of this man that fetched him more enemies than admirers. Made to learn the hard way, Sourav from one shot to international fame was pushed back to the domestic circuit. A young boy, who turned to cricket just because of his elder brother Snehasish Ganguly, could have abandoned the game but he was ready to fight it back.

What followed was an excellent run in the domestic season and people couldn’t help but notice him. But the politics in the selection panel made him wait for 4 more years, preference always being given to Mumbai and Delhi. How many would have even thought that this man is going to be picked for the 1996 tour of England, and made his international test debut at the Mecca of cricket, THE LORD”S……………..

The LORD decided that now it was time for this man to flourish.. Flourish he did at the LORD’s.. It was the 20th of June 1996 which saw Lord's packed to the brim with people dressed up nicely in their long coats and blazers. A glass full of beer in their hands a serene atmosphere. This was the last test match for the great umpire Harold Dickie Bird.. The sun was shining but perhaps not more than this lad, Sourav Ganguly. Bowled 15 overs and took 2 wickets. A scintillating century in his first test innings followed-magnificent drives, gentle (what now we call the trademark dada cut shot) cuts, lovely balance and a confidence full up to the brim.. If Lord's was not enough, Ganguly stacked up another brilliant ton (Trentbridge) and picked up three wickets too. Ended up as the Man of the Match and the joint Man of the Series. What more can a debutant ask for and that too on an overseas tour.

By the end of that year, his good performances promoted him to the top of the order in ODIs and, along with Sachin Tendulkar, formed one of the most destructive opening pairs in history. The deadly duo tormented each and every bowling attack which came their way and that started a new legacy which will certainly be looked at in present times and also the ages to come…

More to follow in "The rise:Monarch of Indian Cricket"………….