Sourav Ganguly is considered as one of India’s greatest cricketers. After he took over the captaincy in 2000 from batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, Ganguly led the team to several victories in Test matches and One Day Internationals (ODI). He built a new team and instilled a sense of confidence in the players that was never seen before. He emerged as one of the most successful captains by leading India to 21 Test wins in 49 matches and 76 ODI wins in 146 matches.
Ganguly is credited with ending Australia’s 16-Test winning streak in 2001, beating England in the NatWest tri-series in 2002 and leading the 'Men in Blue' to the final of the 2003 World Cup.
His statistics as left handed batsmen has also been prolific. His shots on the off side were a treat to watch as some called him the "God of offside". The "prince of Kolkata" has also done wonders with his bat playing 113 Tests and 311 ODIs between 1992 and 2008.
As Ganguly turns 50 today, we take a look at some of his knocks that were a treat to watch.
1996 Test Debut Knock
Ganguly was making his test Debut against England at the "Mecca of Cricket" Lords and not much was expected from the newcomer but he surprised everybody with a century. The prolific offside player who had come to bat at number three scored 131 and helped India draw the match.
1999 ICC World Cup
Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid created history in the game against Sri Lanka posting first ever 300 run partnership in ODIs. Ganguly was in a scintillating form during the match as he blasted Sri Lankan bowlers for 183 runs off 158 balls. India beat the Lankan team by 157 runs to advance in the World Cup.
ICC Knockout Cup 2000
The "prince of Kolkata" was in top form in the semi-finals of the ICC Knockout Cup in 2000 against South Africa. Ganguly built a 145-run partnership for the second wicket with Rahul Dravid as he scored 141 not out. His knock included 11 fours and six sixes.
Double Ton Against Pakistan
The last game of a three-match Test series against arch-rivals Pakistan in 2007 at home can easily be termed as one of Ganguly's best performances with the bat. India were struggling at 44/2 when he came in to bat. And by the time he left the crease India had put up a mamoth score on the board against Pakistan with Ganguly scoring a double ton. His knock of 239 runs included 30 boundaries and two sixes.
1999 India-New Zealand ODI Series
The third One-Day International between India and New Zealand was tough for the men in blue as the top order had almost perished playing on a damp pitch. However, Ganguly showed grit and scored an unbeaten knock of 153 runs to lead India to a total of 261. He also scalped Adam Parore's wicket and guided India to a 2-1 series victory.