Legendary Indian batter Dilip Vengsarkar shared insights about former India captain Sourav Ganguly and his early career during the launch of the book Fab Five: The Pandavas of India’s Batting in Mumbai. Vengsarkar recounted how Ganguly was initially selected as the fourth seamer in India’s squad. The event also featured notable cricketers such as Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar.
Dilip Vengsarkar reveals Sourav Ganguly’s words during the initial phase of his career
During the initial phase of Sourav Ganguly’s international career, Dilip Vengsarkar revealed how Ganguly was picked as the fourth seamer under seamer-friendly conditions in Australia in 1992. Ganguly had made his ODI debut in January 1992. Vengsarkar recalled his words during that time when a young Sourav Ganguly said that he wanted to bat since he was not a bowler.
“On that tour he (Sourav Ganguly) was selected as the fourth seamer and he was asked to go to the nets. After two deliveries, he said ‘I am not a bowler and I want to bat’.” Vengsarkar said, as quoted by PTI.
“Ganguly was told that he was picked as the fourth seamer. But he did not get opportunities on that tour. After a few years, he was picked for the tour of England (in Tests),” he added.
Sourav Ganguly’s memorable Test debut
It took Sourav Ganguly four more years to make his Test debut, which came in 1996 against England at Lord’s. On his debut, Ganguly played a brilliant innings, scoring a century against a formidable England bowling attack. Batting at No. 3, he was India’s only centurion in that match.
Ganguly’s innings of 131 off 301 balls featured 20 impressive boundaries. His elegant cover drives were a highlight, marking a memorable start to his Test career. Rahul Dravid also made his debut in the same match, contributing a determined 95 and helping India secure a first-innings lead.
Sourav Ganguly’s historic achievements
Sourav Ganguly proved to be an exceptionally successful captain during his tenure. Under his leadership, India achieved a historic 2-1 Test series victory over a dominant Australian team in 2001. This series included the famous Kolkata Test, where India won despite following on.
In the 2003 ODI World Cup, Ganguly led India to the final for the first time in 20 years. However, India was defeated by a Ricky Ponting-led Australian team in the final. Ganguly is credited with transforming the mindset of Indian players, instilling a belief that they could win matches abroad with his aggressive approach and determination.
Ganguly retired from international cricket in 2008, with his final match being a Test against Australia in Nagpur, which India won comfortably.
