The BCCI president Sourav Ganguly launched a Durga puja pandal in Kolkata on Tuesday. The pandal was themed like the classic Lord's Cricket Ground in London. Sourav, on Tuesday evening, made an appearance at the Mitali Sangha community Durga Puja pandal in Garia.
Durga Puja is one of the major festivals for Bengalis and it's a festival that has transcended all boundaries. Bengalis have an emotion for Durga Puja that is unmatched. Perhaps this is why a Bengali would always try to celebrate Durga Puja in his or her own style, no matter where they live across the globe. The former batsman personally inaugurated the pandal and waved the Indian flag over it. During the pandal's inauguration, he was accompanied by a large crowd.
The former India skipper has a deep connection with the iconic Lord's ground of England. After India outplayed England in the NatWest series 2002, Ganguly pulled off his t-shirt and celebrated the moment.
Ganguly (60) and Sehwag 45) had a terrific 106-run opening stand. After both went to the pavilion, England started making a comeback. But then the duo of Yuvraj Singh (69) and Mohammad Kaif (87*) helped India beat England.
Sourav Ganguly has played a total of 113 Test matches and made 7212 runs, including 16 centuries and 35 half-centuries. He has also scored 11363 runs in 311 matches with 100 wickets and 22 centuries.
The Puja Committee built a temporary structure of Lords Pavilion next to the puja pandal for Ganguly which gives nostalgia to all cricket fans, remembering the old good days of the Indian cricket team.