Former captain Sourav Ganguly, affectionately known as the 'Dada of Indian cricket,' celebrated his 52nd birthday on July 8. Revered for his contributions on the field, Ganguly's legacy is etched in the annals of cricket history.
One of the most unforgettable moments in his storied career came in 2002, when he famously waved his jersey on the Lord's balcony, marking India's thrilling victory over England in the NatWest Trophy final. This iconic gesture encapsulates the spirit and passion that Ganguly brought to Indian cricket.
Sourav Ganguly's illustrious career has left an indelible mark on the cricketing world, not just for his achievements on the field but also for his leadership off it.?
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) wished their former captain with a heartfelt message: "Maharaja. Dada. The Prince of Kolkata. Happy Birthday, Sourav Ganguly!"
Ganguly's special association with KKR is well-remembered, as he captained the franchise in the 2008 and 2010?during his stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL)?seasons.?
Former Indian cricketer Munaf Patel echoed this sentiment, acknowledging Ganguly's significant role in shaping the Indian cricket team: "A big hand of this guy in the development of #IndianCricketTeam where we are today. A very #HAPPYBIRTHDAY legend @SGanguly99. Wishing you a healthy life ahead #Dada."
Manoj Kumar Tiwary, an Indian international cricketer and politician, also extended his birthday wishes on social media, writing: "??? ???, ??? ???? ??? ??? ???? ?????? ?? ?? ???????????!! Love you ???? and wishing you a very ????? ????????."
Ganguly made his debut for India in the 1996 Test series against England and assumed the captaincy just four years later. Over his career, he played in 113 Tests and 311 ODIs, amassing 18,575 international runs.?
After retiring from cricket, Ganguly continued to contribute to the sport by serving as the President of the Cricket Association of Bengal and later as the President of the BCCI. He is currently the Director of Cricket for the Delhi Capitals, further cementing his legacy as a stalwart of Indian cricket.
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