5 reasons why Sourav Ganguly was a great leader

Sourav Ganguly, the man who wrote numerous memorable tales during his glorious career, and changed the course of Indian cricket, celebrates his 46th birthday today. Sourav - the captain always outshone Sourav - the batsman, but his records show how good he was with the bat too. Having scored a century at Lord's on his debut, Dada smashed 18,575 international runs to become the third highest run-scorer for India.

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1. Fought for his players:

A great captain is the one who fights for his players. Like a belligerent warrior, Ganguly was famous for backing his players positively. As a consequence, the player gave his best shot in repaying that faith and played like a champion. Ganguly's leadership style commanded respect. He backed his players and molded India into a self-assured unit.

2. Regrouped the team after the fixing episode:

A rejuvenated and jubilant Team India during 2003 World Cup

The fixing episode of 2000 was surely the lowest point in Indian cricket. With high profile names being a part of the fixing gate, the Indian cricket as a whole was at an all-time low. The fans had lost faith in them. The viewers had begun scrutinizing the performance of every Indian player. And then, he started the journey of regrouping. In the next few years, under his inspiring leadership, the Indian side achieved success and won hearts. The faith of the fans was rejuvenated and their love for Indian cricket resumed.

3. Groomed future superstars:

India's most iconic captain Sourav Ganguly with India's most successful captain MS Dhoni

Under Ganguly’s leadership, several Indian greats commenced their careers. The likes of Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, and Harbhajan Singh, all started their careers under Ganguly. It was Ganguly, who gave them the true break after their debuts. Even Ajit Agarkar and Ashish Nehra, who won memorable games for India, played under Ganguly. Even India's most successful captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was groomed by one and only Dada.

4. Played an aggressive brand of cricket:

Dada believed in playing a super aggressive brand of cricket and getting on top of the opposition. This method is adopted by every successful side in cricket. Great captains often have the knack of going for the kill once they sense their prey in danger. The southpaw from Kolkata did exactly that and won several games for India under his captaincy stint.

5. Won Overseas

Sourav Ganguly holding a trophy and stump after winning a series in England

Winning test matches overseas has been the most difficult thing for an Indian captain to accomplish. That is what the Prince of Kolkata exactly did. Ever since Ganguly was named the skipper of the Indian side, the Indians played like a different force altogether overseas.

These were the factors, which make people feel that Ganguly was indeed the best Indian captain. Many players might come and go, but no one can replace Sourav Ganguly.