“DADA” This phrase is enough to identify The Man behind “Team India”. The Man who showed the world what aggression actually was.
Yes, I'm talking about Sourav Ganguly.
For most, Sourav Ganguly is only a great cricketer; the current president of CAB, for some, he is their favourite cricketer who has redefined ‘comeback’; but for me, he is my inspiration, my idol and my teacher, who – through his performances – taught me how to get through - what seemed like – one of the toughest phases of life.
Ganguly's leadership style commanded respect. He backed his players and molded India into a self-assured unit.
The fixing episode of 2000 was surely the lowest point in Indian cricket. With high profile names being a part of the fixing gate, the Indian cricket as a whole was at an all-time low. The fans had lost faith in them. The viewers had begun scrutinizing the performance of every Indian player. And then, he started the journey of regrouping. In the next few years, under his inspiring leadership, the Indian side achieved success and won hearts. The faith of the fans was rejuvenated and their love for Indian cricket resumed.
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| Image source: Google |
An year after ‘Dada’ was presented the Padma Shri - one of India's highest awards – by the then President of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, he was kicked out of the national team following a run of poor performances in 2005. To some, the words ‘kicked out’ may read too strong to describe the situation of his drop, but seeing how he was ill-treated by the BCCI, to me, they are just an understatement. A few months later, the Indian coach then, Greg Chappelle (seen as the main reason for the Warrior Prince’s departure) decided to rub it in by publicly making a statement that ‘Ganguly deserved a good farewell’.
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| Sourav Receiving "Padma Sri From A.P.J Apdul Kalam. Image source: Google |
To me, he is a legend in his own league and it’s just magical what affect a cricketer can have on you. Just following and idolizing Sourav Ganguly, who played with his heart on his sleeve, made me get through a patch that looked like a dead-end and since then, a Ganguly in me has lived on.
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| Image source: Google |
Sourav Ganguly…Champion? For sure.
Sourav Ganguly…Legend? Definitely.
Sourav Ganguly…Superhero? Without a doubt.
Sourav Ganguly… Life-changer? What do you say?
Thank you very much Dada --- For all the memories , the courage you shown to look eye-on-eye with opponents, the youngsters you groom who are all set to take the game to the next level. From the Independence Cup Finals at Dhaka to the Bare Chest Euphoria at Lords Balcony. From an Offside God to Successful captain. From a classy square cut to fiery lofted shot over mid-off...the tantrums you shown to touches you thrown... everything .. Everything touched our heart ...stays in our heart, our minds, in the spirit of the game, in the passion of the game...We love you .. We all .........
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| Image source: Google |
As you walk into the sunset on the eve of 10th of November 2008, blushing over the wishes, cherishing these memories and bearing these changes, harboring the humiliations....
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| Image source: Google |
We wish you a health, wealth and lots of time to do the things that you love doing the most.........
And a very Happy Birthday to you.
Love,
@gnibha
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