Sourav Ganguly

Achieving wide recognition as the ‘Prince of Kolkata’ both nationally and globally, the story of cricket legend Sourav Ganguly extends beyond numerous records and centuries.

Sourav Ganguly: The ‘Prince of Kolkata‘ in World Cricket

Sourav Ganguly’s career is studded with numerous achievements. He is remembered for his aggressive captaincy, which transformed the Indian team into a formidable unit.

However, Ganguly’s cricket career is a visualization of resilience, leadership, and exceptional skill. Through numerous runs and innings his done, here are some key point to remind:

Early Life and Personal Information

Sourav Ganguly, born on July 8, 1972, in Kolkata, Bengal, emerged as a cricketing powerhouse with a left-handed batting style and right-arm medium bowling.

Known for his elegant stroke play, particularly through the off-side, Ganguly’s cricket journey is as inspiring as it is illustrious.

Domestic Career

Ganguly’s domestic career began with Bengal in Indian cricket. His performances in the domestic circuit were impressive, showcasing his potential as a future star.

He was known for his ability to build innings and play long knocks, which eventually paved his way to the national team.

Test Cricket Career

Ganguly made his Test debut against England at Lord’s in 1996, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey.

He played 113 Test matches, scoring 7212 runs at an average of 42.18, including 16 centuries and 35 half-centuries.

His highest score in Tests was 239. Ganguly’s Test career was notable for his elegant batting and crucial partnerships, particularly with Sachin Tendulkar.

ODI Cricket Career

Ganguly’s ODI career was even more spectacular. He debuted against the West Indies in 1992 and played 311 ODIs, scoring 11363 runs at an average of 40.73, including 22 centuries and 72 half-centuries.

His highest score in ODIs was 183. Ganguly formed one of the most successful opening partnerships in ODI history with Sachin Tendulkar, and his captaincy tenure is remembered for leading India to the 2003 World Cup final.

T20 and Other Formats

While Ganguly’s career in T20 Internationals was limited, his influence in the shorter format of the game.

Particularly at the most watched cricket tournament in India, IPL, was notable for his leadership and strategic acumen.

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Ganguly played for Kolkata Knight Riders and Pune Warriors.

While his IPL career didn’t mirror the highs of his international career, he still had moments of brilliance.

His leadership and experience were invaluable for the teams he represented. Ganguly scored 1349 runs in 59 matches with a highest score of 91.

Achievements and Notable Moments

His leadership during the match-fixing history and his partnership with coach John Wright brought a new era in Indian cricket.

Ganguly’s comeback into the team after being dropped, and his subsequent performances, especially his 239 against Pakistan, are part of cricketing folklore.

Legacy and Post-Retirement

Post-retirement, Ganguly has remained a prominent figure in cricket, taking on roles as a commentator, administrator, and mentor.

From the pitch, to the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). His insights and understanding of the game have continued to enrich cricket discussions worldwide.

The Remarkable Records of Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly, one of the most charismatic cricketers from India, has left an indelible mark in the annals of cricket with his remarkable records.

His career, spanning from 1992 to 2008, is a testament to his prowess on the cricket field. Here’s a detailed look at some of his significant records:

Top Records

• Test Matches:
• Scored a hundred on debut with a score of 131.
• Achieved hundreds in consecutive matches from debut.
• Recorded a hundred and a ninety in a match.
• Accumulated 5000 runs and 50 fielding dismissals.
• Notched up the highest partnership for the fifth wicket with 300 runs.
• One-Day Internationals (ODIs):
• Holds the record for the most player-of-the-series awards with 7.
• Ranked 8th for the most matches as captain with 147 matches.
• Scored the second-most runs in a calendar year with 1767 runs.
• Achieved the second-most hundreds in a calendar year with 7.
• Recorded the tenth-most nineties in career with 6.
• Notched up the ninth-most fifties in career with 94.
• Ranked 9th for the most fours in career with 1122.
• Became the fourth-fastest to 11000 runs in just 288 innings.
• Achieved a fifty and five wickets in an innings.
• Recorded 1000 runs, 50 wickets, and 50 catches.
• Notched up the third-highest partnership for the second wicket with 318 runs.
• Combined Test, ODI, and T20I Records:
• Ranked 16th for the most runs in career across formats with 18575 runs.
• Recorded the 12th-most runs in a calendar year across formats with 2580 runs.
• Achieved the 24th-most hundreds in a career across formats with 38.
• Notched up the 14th-most fifties in career across formats with 145.
• Ranked 17th for the most fours in career across formats with 2022.
• Recorded the 45th-most catches in career across formats with 171.

Other Notable Records:

• Achieved the most player-of-the-match awards in ODIs with 31 awards.
• Scored the most hundreds in consecutive matches in Tests from debut.
• Achieved the most player-of-the-series awards in ODIs with 7 awards.
• Ranked as the sixth-best figures in an innings by a captain in ODIs with 5 wickets.

Sourav Ganguly’s records are a testament to his consistency, dedication, and passion for the game.

As a player who has left a lasting legacy in international cricket, his records continue to inspire cricket enthusiasts and upcoming players.

The Ganguly’s: Backbone of Sourav’s Cricket Stories

Sourav Ganguly, popularly known as the Prince of Kolkata, is not just a celebrated former captain of the Indian cricket team but also a cherished family man.

His journey in cricket was significantly influenced by his family, who provided him with unwavering support and encouragement.

Family Origins

Sourav’s father, Chandidas Ganguly, a former cricketer who played first-class cricket for Bengal, was a major influence in Sourav’s life.

Chandidas, known for his humility, often avoided revealing his identity at public events due to Sourav’s popularity.

He once humorously remarked that his large family could have formed a cricket team, highlighting the family’s deep connection with the sport.

Meanwhile his mother, Nirupa Ganguly, a strong presence in Sourav’s life, was always glued to the TV when her son played.

She was known for her practical views on Sourav’s career, emphasizing that talent was God-given and that all the facilities provided would have been futile without Sourav’s inherent skill.

Next, Snehasish Ganguly, Sourav’s elder brother, also aspired to be a cricketer but couldn’t make it to the international level.

Despite this, he served as an early inspiration for Sourav. Snehasish is currently the Secretary of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).

Personal Story

Sourav Ganguly’s wife, Dona Ganguly, an accomplished Odissi dancer, married Sourav in 1997.

Their love story is quite unique, as they were neighbors but their families were not on talking terms initially.

Their relationship blossomed over time, leading to a beautiful marriage.

Meanwhile, Sana Ganguly, born in November 2001, is the couple’s beloved daughter.

She completed her schooling in Kolkata and went on to study at Oxford University in the UK.

Like her mother, Sana is a trained Odissi dancer and shares a close bond with her father.

Sourav Ganguly’s Net Worth: The Financial Profile of a Cricket Legend

Sourav Ganguly, affectionately known as Dada and the Prince of Kolkata, is not only a legendary figure in the world of cricket but also a significant player in the financial field.

His journey from a cricketer to a cricket administrator and brand ambassador has seen his net worth grow impressively. However, here some crucial points to look up:

Net Worth Overview

As of October 2023, Sourav Ganguly’s estimated net worth stands at a staggering $80 million (INR 656 crore).

This wealth accumulation is a result of his successful cricket career, various administrative roles, and numerous brand endorsements.

Cricket Earnings and Administrative Roles

After retiring from cricket in 2008, Ganguly didn’t step away from the sport. Instead, he took on various cricket administration roles.

These roles, along with his cricket earnings, form a significant part of his income.

Endorsements

Ganguly’s brand value remains high, even years after his retirement. He endorses a total of 11 global, national, and regional brands, making most of his money from these endorsements.

Some notable brands include My Circle 11, Ajanta Shoes, Classplus, DreamSetGo, Vicco, Lloyd ropes, Bandhan Bank, Lux Cozi, and “actyv.ai“.

Reports suggest that he charges around one crore rupees per year per brand endorsement. For instance, Puma pays him ₹1.35 crore per year.

Assets: House and Investments

Ganguly’s house in Kolkata, where he grew up, is reportedly worth INR 7 crores. He also owns a lavish 2 BHK apartment in London.

In terms of cars and bikes, he has a collection of 6 luxury cars, including brands like Audi, Mercedes, and BMW, and also owns two bikes.

Beyond that luxury things, his investments extend to startups like ‘Flickstree‘ and ‘Classplus‘.

Other Sources of Income

Ganguly has also made a mark in television. He was the host of “Dadagiri”, a popular Bengali show, and the Bengali adaptation of “Kaun Banega Crorepati”.

For hosting “Dadagiri”, he charged around ₹1 crore per week. Additionally, he was one of the main shareholders of the ISL Club, Atletico – de Kolkata.

12 Controversy Surrounding Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly, known as ‘Dada’ among teammates and fans, is celebrated for his cricketing achievements and leadership.

However, his career and post-retirement life have also been marked by several controversies. Here’s a look at some of the major controversies involving Sourav Ganguly:

1. Tussle with Steve Waugh

Ganguly’s competitive spirit often led to on-field controversies, one of which involved .

Ganguly reportedly made Australian captain Steve Waugh wait for the toss during a Test match, a move Waugh believed was a deliberate psychological tactic.

2. Clash with Shane Warne in IPL

During the Indian Premier League (IPL), Ganguly and Australian spin legend Shane Warne had a heated exchange.

The controversy arose over the legitimacy of a catch, with Ganguly insisting on a third umpire review, which irked Warne, then captain of the Rajasthan Royals.

The incident escalated into a significant confrontation before they were separated by umpires and teammates.

3. Shirt-Waving Celebration at Lord’s

One of the most iconic yet controversial moments of Ganguly’s career was his shirt-waving celebration at Lord’s after India’s win in the Natwest Trophy final in 2002.

This act of exuberance, though celebrated by many Indian fans, was not well-received by the members of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), as it broke with the ground’s traditional decorum.

4. Remarks on Rahul Dravid Post-Retirement

Years after his retirement, Ganguly made a startling comment about his teammate Rahul Dravid, stating that Dravid did not support him during the infamous Greg Chappell clash.

Dravid responded by saying that Ganguly never approached him for any solution, highlighting a rift between the two former Indian captains.

5. Conflict with Greg Chappell

Ganguly’s tenure as captain was marred by his tumultuous relationship with coach Greg Chappell.

Their disagreement became public during India’s tour of Zimbabwe, leading to Ganguly losing his captaincy and briefly his place in the team.

This conflict contributed to a negative environment in the dressing room and was partly blamed for India’s early exit from the 2007 ODI World Cup.

6. Rift with Virat Kohli

During Ganguly’s tenure as BCCI president, tensions surfaced between him and then-captain Virat Kohli.

Kohli publicly stated that he was not asked by the BCCI to not step down as T20 captain, contradicting Ganguly’s earlier statement.

This led to speculation about a rift between the two, further fueled when they did not shake hands during IPL 2023.

7. Refusal to Carry Drinks in 1991-92

During the 1991-92 Australia tour, Ganguly allegedly refused to carry drinks as a benched player.

He later denied these claims, criticizing the team manager of that tour for spreading false stories.

8. Unhappy Time at Lancashire

While playing for Lancashire in 2000, Ganguly was accused of “princely behavior“.

Teammate Andrew Flintoff described him as disinterested in the team, contributing to a strained relationship with his teammates.

9. Alleged Affair with Actress Nagma

In early 2001, rumors of Ganguly’s affair with actress Nagma surfaced, causing a media stir. Though Ganguly’s family dismissed these claims, Nagma later subtly confirmed their past relationship.

10. The Mike Denness Drama

In 2001, match referee Mike Denness charged Ganguly and other Indian players with various offenses, leading to a major controversy.

Ganguly faced a suspended ban for not controlling his team, highlighting his aggressive captaincy style.

11. Controversy Over a Grassy Surface in Nagpur

In 2004, there was speculation that Ganguly opted out of a Test against Australia due to a grassy pitch, which he denied.

Australian players Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist expressed their suspicions in their autobiographies.

12. Kolkata Knight Riders and Multiple Captaincy

Ganguly faced controversy in the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders’ “multiple captain” strategy in 2008. His removal as captain led to fan backlash and a sense of victimization.