As there are few cricketers who manage to make people to notice their exceptional skills and love for the game on their debut. So, once in a few years, one might witness a cricketer who not only shines on their first appearance in a new cricket format but also establishes a strong and consistent record in it.
India has one such cricketing legend, Sourav Ganguly, who celebrates his 51st birthday today.
Sourav Ganguly, this name is known to almost every cricket fan in India.
Fondly called ‘Dada’, Sourav Ganguly has had a glorious Test career, the foundation of which was laid in an equally glorious manner when he made his first Test appearance on 20th June, 1996.
The legend cricketer made his Test debut in the second match against England at Lord’s.
Sourav Ganguly played just one ODI when he threw his hat in the Test cricket ring.
After a forgettable outing in 1992 ODI against West Indies, Sourav Ganguly ensure that his debut performance in Test would remain unforgettable for decades to come.
England were able to amass 344 runs before they were bowled out with Venkatesh Prasad taking five wickets.
Chasing this target wasn’t going to be easy for the visitors.
Walking in at the crucial No. 3 position for India, Sourav Ganguly show the world what he is capable of as he smash an impressive century.
Sourav Ganguly score was 131 runs off 301 deliveries at a strike rate of 43.52.
Showing calmness and confidence of an experienced player, Sourav Ganguly gave India a new lease of hope as he built the innings run-by-run.
When Sourav Ganguly reach to 50-run mark, everyone would have known that they were witnessing something special, something that would go down in history.
Sourav Ganguly’s performance was studded with 20 fours and he became the highest-scoring Test debutant at Lord’s, a record that was broken by Devon Conway 25 years later.
Dada was accompanied by fellow debutant Rahul Dravid who also made an unforgettable mark with 95 runs off 267 deliveries.
India went on to score 429 runs in the innings but the series eventually end in a draw.
On that day, the iconic Lord’s echo with the hints of Sourav Ganguly’s future legacy as he announce his arrival in style.
This man from Kolkata had sown the seeds of the successful cricket career that was to follow.
Over the years, Sourav Ganguly would establish himself as one of the finest Test batters.
Till his retirement in 2008, Sourav Ganguly went on to play 113 Test matches, scoring 7212 runs.
Dada is currently the seventh highest Test run-scorer among Indian players.
Sourav Ganguly shine not only with his batting prowess but also his leadership skills.
His captaincy prove to be a game-changer for Indian cricket.
Wish You a Very Happy Birthday Dada!!
