CALCUTTA (India): Former India team-mates and captains remembered newly-elected BCCI President Sourav Ganguly as someone who was meant for the big stage.
“I was captaining him while we played for Bengal. He always used to say, ‘Paaji give me No. 4 or No.3. This is where I want to perform’. He always had the ambtion and was meant for big stage,” said former India cricketer and selector Ashok Malhotra.
Ganguly took over as the new president of the Indian cricket board on Wednesday.
“He played cricket on his terms. I’m sure he will play BCCI innings on his terms too,” added former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin under whom Ganguly made his Test and ODI debut.
Two legends at the garden of Eden
It’s a mere coincidence that two of India’s cricketing legends, who were captains too, became administrators as well.
Azhar was elected Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) president in September while Ganguly became the country’s cricket board head on Wednesday.
“He is an outstanding human being and was one of the best players. We won so many tournaments,” Azhar said of Ganguly.
The former elegant Hyderabadi batsman led India in 47 Tests and 174 ODIs.
Very, very special ‘Dada’
VVS Laxman, one of the top stylish batsmen India has produced, eugolised Ganguly on his new role.
“Azzu bhai is one of my role models. He is leading HCA. It’s great that cricketers are getting into administration and doing well,” said Laxman.
Ganguly and Laxman had known each other since 1995 when were selected for India A tour to Sharjah. And, in fact, both them made their Test debut a year later.
“For me, Sourav as a cricketer is special, but as India captain he was very very special,” added Laxman, who played 134 Tests and 86 ODIs.
Leadership quality
The 46-year-old said that it was his leadership which inspired him the most.
“We didn’t do well against Australia in 1999-2000. We lost to South Africa at home. It was a tough time for Indian cricket. But he revived the team’s fortunes. He insipired the youngsters, gave them security and laid the foundation of a strong Test team,” said Laxman.
Malhotra felt that Ganguly was destined to become a great captain ever since he saw him as a youngster.
“He showed Indian cricketers to look into the eyes of the opponents. He changed the mentality of Indian cricketers and built a world class team,” said the former Bengal captain and former India selector.
