Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly—often called “Dada” and the “Prince of Calcutta”—is a former India captain, left-handed top-order batter, useful medium-pace bowler, and one of the most influential leaders in Indian cricket. Across 113 Tests and 311 ODIs, he scored 7,212 Test runs at 42.17 and 11,363 ODI runs at 41.02, with 32 Test wickets and 100 ODI wickets adding all-round value. He remains India’s highest scorer in a Men’s ODI World Cup innings (183 vs Sri Lanka, 1999). Beyond playing, he served as BCCI President (2019–2022) and, as of 2025, continues as Chairman of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee while expanding his coaching footprint in franchise cricket. 

In August 2025, he was appointed head coach of the Pretoria Capitals in SA20, underscoring his ongoing influence in the modern T20 ecosystem. 

Early life

Born on 8 July 1972 in Calcutta (now Kolkata), Sourav Chandidas Ganguly grew up in a well-to-do business family. Because the city loved football, he was briefly drawn to the sport; however, his elder brother Snehasish—already a Bengal cricketer—nudged him toward cricket. Interestingly, Ganguly is naturally right-handed but learned to bat left-handed so he could share his brother’s kit. He studied at St. Xavier’s Collegiate School and later St. Xavier’s College, where structured training and home practice (including a concrete wicket) shaped his elegant off-side game. 

Personal life

Ganguly married classical dancer Dona in 1997; they have a daughter, Sana. Away from cricket, he hosted the long-running Bengali quiz show “Dadagiri Unlimited” and has remained a prominent media presence. In January 2021, he underwent angioplasty after a mild cardiac event, recovered well, and resumed his administrative and media roles. 

Administratively, Ganguly led the Cricket Association of Bengal (2015–2019), served as BCCI President (Oct 2019–Oct 2022), and continues as Chairman of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee (since Nov 2021), roles that reflect his stature beyond the field. 

Domestic Career

Ganguly debuted for Bengal first-class cricket in 1989. After prolific domestic seasons in the early 1990s, a commanding 171 in the 1995–96 Duleep Trophy pushed him back into national reckoning. He also had rich county stints—Lancashire (2000), Glamorgan (2005), and Northamptonshire (2006)—broadening his game in diverse conditions. Even after stepping aside internationally, he occasionally turned out for Bengal, underlining his connection to the state side.

Test Career

Ganguly’s Test debut is part of cricket folklore. In June 1996 at Lord’s, he struck a poised 131, becoming one of the few to score a debut century at the venue. A week later at Trent Bridge, he added 136, signalling that India had found a long-term top-order player with temperament and timing. Over 113 Tests, he amassed 7,212 runs at 42.17 with 16 hundreds, including a career-best 239 against Pakistan in 2007 at Bengaluru. His off-side play—square drives and cover drives in particular—became a signature, inspiring the line that he was “next to God on the off side.”

As captain from 2000 to 2005, Ganguly’s aggressive mindset reshaped India’s away-series outlook. India drew a marquee 2003–04 series in Australia 1–1, won memorable overseas Tests, and, crucially, developed a fighting identity. His Test captaincy ledger reads 49 matches: 21 wins, 13 losses, and 15 draws—11 of those victories coming away from home. These numbers underline why many still view him as the architect of India’s modern competitive steel. 

ODI Career

Ganguly’s ODI arc began in 1992 and blossomed once he moved to the top of the order. Between 1997 and 2000 he was among the most productive ODI batters in the world, climbing to No.1 in the PwC ratings during that period. He struck 22 ODI centuries, forged a record-breaking opening partnership era with Sachin Tendulkar, and delivered sustained tournament impact. His 183 at the 1999 World Cup remains India’s highest in the event. In the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy, he captained India to a shared title; a year later, he led India to the 2003 World Cup final. Notably, he once won four successive ODI Player-of-the-Match awards (Sahara Cup 1997), showcasing his swing bowling with a 5/16 as well. 

By the time he played his last ODI in 2007, Ganguly had 11,363 runs at 41.02 and 100 wickets at 38.49—a rare ODI treble matched by only a handful globally. 

International career summary (quick view)

Format	Matches	Runs	Avg	100s/50s	HS	Wkts	Bowl Avg	Best
Tests	113	7,212	42.17	16/35	239	32	52.53	3/28
ODIs	311	11,363	41.02	22/72	183	100	38.49	5/16

IPL Career

Ganguly captained Kolkata Knight Riders in the inaugural IPL season (2008) and again in 2010 before turning out for Pune Warriors India in 2011–2012. Across his IPL career, he played 59 matches and scored 1,349 runs, while also chipping in with 10 wickets. His best was a sparkling 91 (57) for KKR in 2008, a knock that showcased vintage placement and power through the off side. Over five seasons, his overall strike rate hovered around 106–107, with seven fifties and a batting average in the mid-20s. 

IPL career summary

Teams (Years)	Matches	Runs	Avg	SR	50s	HS	Wkts
KKR (2008–10), Pune (2011–12)	59	1,349	~25.5	~106.8	7	91	10

Records and Achievements

• 10k runs / 100 wickets / 100 catches in ODIs: Ganguly is among the very few to complete this rare ODI treble.

• Highest ODI World Cup score by an Indian: 183 vs Sri Lanka, Taunton, 1999.

• Four consecutive ODI Player-of-the-Match awards: Achieved in the Sahara Cup 1997, including a career-best 5/16.

• Wisden recognition: Ranked the sixth greatest ODI batsman of all time in the 2002 Wisden Almanack.

• Captaincy impact: In Tests as captain, 21 wins (11 away), 13 losses, 15 draws; in ODIs as captain, 147 matches with 76 wins. These numbers captured his results-driven approach and the shift in India’s away record.

• Administration and governance: President of BCCI (2019–2022); Chairman, ICC Men’s Cricket Committee (since 2021).