India Australia Series

Sourav Ganguly retires from international cricket

Speaking after his final day of international cricket, Sourav Ganguly has said his most significant contribution was to raise the image of Indian cricket by building a team that was competitive overseas.

“During the phase from 2000 to 2005 [when he was captain], and it’s still going on now, Indian cricket’s image has gone up immensely, especially while touring,” Ganguly said. “We were always termed as soft when we travelled. I think that has changed considerably. At the present moment India are a formidable side home and away.

“I was lucky to have Sachin, Rahul, VVS Laxman, Anil, Sehwag and Harbhajan probably playing their best cricket at that stage. We’ve always been a strong team at home. The overseas results I’ll always cherish.”

Under Ganguly’s captaincy, which began in November 2000, India won 11 Tests overseas including matches in Sri Lanka, West Indies, England, Australia and Pakistan.

“Captaincy is a spark, it’s not just preparation or the homework, it’s about the spark on the field, which MS has,” Ganguly said. “He’s got that extra bit of luck which you require in captaincy. I have never believed too much in the drawing board. I see a lot of that in MS Dhoni. He doesn’t believe much in team meetings and all. He just does what he sees on the field. He will be tested when India goes overseas and I’m sure he will live up to it.”

“I didn’t expect MS to ask me to captain the side for five overs,” Ganguly said. “I was already switched off, so he woke me up. I didn’t know what was happening the first six-seven balls. Luckily they were nine down so I managed to do it for three and then said it’s his job, not mine any more.”

Tags: sourav ganguly