Cricket, Chappel, Movies, And No Politics — Sourav Ganguly Recalls Friendship With Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee

Sourav Ganguly mourned the death of West Bengal's ex-CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, recalling their strong bond centred around their mutual love for cricket.

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly expressed deep sorrow at the passing of former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who died earlier on Thursday. Ganguly, who landed in Mumbai on Thursday, shared his grief in an interview with Anandabazar Patrika Online, reflecting on his relationship with the late CPI-M leader.

The last Chief Minister of the Left Front in Bengal passed away on Thursday morning.

In an article on the news website, 'The Wall', Ganguly wrote that he was nothing short of a son to Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. "He loved me like a son. I might not have visited his house regularly, but I kept in touch. Once at an official function, Buddhababu called Ashok Bhattacharya [former Siliguri mayor and CPI-M leader] and told him to keep in touch with me... 'He is my closest son'. Ashok Bhattacharya still adheres to that. We talk once or twice a month." Sourav Ganguly, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, and Ashok Bhattacharya shared a common love for cricket. 

"I had a very good relationship with him. He was a complete sportsman," Ganguly told Anandabazar Patrika Online. "During my time as the captain of India, we had many discussions about cricket. It was never about politics with him; he never asked for anything politically. Our conversations were always centred around cricket."

In the interaction with Anandabazar Patrika Online, Ganguly fondly remembered their discussions that spanned not only his cricketing career but also touched on the legacy of Pankaj Roy, one of India's cricketing greats. "He had such kindness in him," Ganguly added, highlighting the deep respect and admiration he held for Bhattacharjee.

Beyond cricket, Ganguly recalled Bhattacharjee's passion for cinema. Ganguly pointed out Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's strong connections within the film industry, including his relationship with the legendary actor Soumitra Chattopadhyay. Ganguly last met Bhattacharjee in 2008-09, shortly before the former chief minister withdrew from public life following the Left Front's Lok Sabha polls drubbing in West Bengal.

"After losing the elections, he became very withdrawn. Our communication lessened over time. The last time I met or spoke to him was probably in 2008-09," Ganguly reflected. Despite the years of silence, Ganguly expressed his deep condolences to Bhattacharjee's family, acknowledging the profound loss.

Ganguly also recalled how he was given a civic welcome by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation after his historic century at Lord's, a gesture that underscored the close ties between him and the state's leadership.

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who once trained at Deshbandhu Park in North Kolkata, had to give up cricket prematurely due to his failing eyesight. However, his enthusiasm for the game never waned, and his relationship with Ganguly remained rooted in their shared passion for cricket.

Sourav recalled in the 'The Wall' article that Buddhadeb Bhattacharya was concerned over the Greg Chappell incident. "Ashokda told me that Buddhababu used to say 'Sourav should keep a cool head and not make a statement'."