“
Sourav Ganguly, affectionately known as 'Dada,' is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Indian cricket history. His leadership, determination, and aggressive approach changed the face of Indian cricket. In this article, we’ll delve into 20 interesting Facts About Sourav Ganguly, both on and off the field, that highlight why he’s one of the game's true legends.1
1
”
Sourav Ganguly was born on July 8, 1972, in Behala, Kolkata, into a wealthy family. His father, Chandidas Ganguly, ran a flourishing printing business, giving him a privileged upbringing. 1
Ganguly made his ODI debut in 1992, but his breakthrough came during his Test debut at Lord’s in 1996, where he scored a remarkable 131, earning widespread recognition. 2
In 2000, Ganguly became the Indian cricket captain, leading the team to several victories, including the 2002 NatWest Trophy, where his iconic shirtless celebration became legendary. 3
Ganguly led India to the 2003 World Cup final, showcasing his leadership skills. Despite losing to Australia, his captaincy laid the foundation for India’s future cricketing success. 4
Ganguly is one of the few cricketers to surpass 11,000 runs in ODIs, finishing his career with 11,363 runs, cementing his place among the most prolific batsmen in the world.
In Test cricket, Ganguly scored 7,212 runs, including 16 centuries and 35 fifties, and was known for his elegant stroke play, particularly through the off-side. 5
Ganguly married Dona Roy in 1997, eloping against their families' wishes. They later reconciled with their families, and their marriage became a celebrated union in Indian cricket. 6
Sourav and Dona have a daughter, Sana Ganguly, born in 2001. Sana has shown an interest in dance and performing arts, following in her mother’s footsteps, who is a trained Odissi dancer. 7
Ganguly played in the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders and Pune Warriors India. Though his IPL career wasn't as successful as expected, he transitioned to mentoring roles post-retirement.8
In 2019, Ganguly became the BCCI President, taking charge of Indian cricket's administrative affairs and successfully overseeing the introduction of the day-night Test matches in India.
After retirement, Ganguly took on mentoring roles, helping shape young talent like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, while also working as a cricket commentator and analyst. 9
Ganguly holds the world record for the highest individual score in a World Cup knockout match, scoring 183 runs against Sri Lanka in 1999, showcasing his incredible batting skills. 10
His partnership with Sachin Tendulkar in ODIs remains iconic, with the duo sharing over 6,000 runs together. Their chemistry at the crease was key to many Indian victories. 11
Beyond cricket, Ganguly is a businessman, owning a chain of restaurants, gyms, and a media production company. He has diversified his investments to ensure financial success post-cricket. 12
Ganguly has hosted the Bengali quiz show Dadagiri Unlimited, one of the most popular shows in West Bengal, further enhancing his popularity and charisma off the cricket field. 13
In 2005, a controversy with coach Greg Chappell led to Ganguly being dropped from the Indian team, sparking widespread debates, but he made a triumphant return in 2006. 14
Ganguly was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, in 2004, recognizing his outstanding contributions to cricket and his role in shaping Indian cricket’s future.
Sourav attended St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, but left early due to his cricketing commitments. His focus on cricket paid off, with him becoming one of India's most successful captains. 15
Before taking over as BCCI President, Ganguly served as the President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), playing a key role in revamping cricket infrastructure in Bengal. 16
Sourav Ganguly’s aggressive leadership style transformed India into a competitive cricketing nation abroad, particularly in Australia and England, setting a benchmark for future Indian teams. 17
