Sourav Ganguly records: Celebrating Dada’s most iconic moments as he turns 53

New Delhi: Sourav Ganguly’s legendary legacy is forever secured in Indian cricket history. Across formats, he scored 18,575 international runs, smashing 38 centuries over the course of a decorated career. Beyond his personal records, Ganguly is remembered as the skipper who brought much-needed bite and aggression to Indian cricket, instilling a fearless mindset that changed the team’s outlook forever.

Among his countless moments, his iconic celebration at Lord’s stands out when he took off his shirt and twirled it over his head from the balcony to celebrate India’s memorable NatWest Trophy win.

He is fondly known as “Dada” and remains one of the most beloved figures in Indian cricket. Ganguly is also among the rare cricketers to achieve the treble of 10,000 runs, 100 wickets, and 100 catches in ODI cricket, which has been accomplished by only five players in the format’s history.

As he turns 53 today, here’s a closer look at the records held by Sourav Ganguly, the man who changed the face of Indian cricket.

Champions Trophy finals record

Dada’s 117-run knock from 130 balls against New Zealand in the final of the 2000 Champions Trophy at the Gymkhana Club Ground in Nairobi remains one of the most impactful innings in Indian ODI history. He accelerated when needed, hitting nine fours and four sixes, helping India post a total of 264 for six in 50 overs. The innings is not remembered for his strokeplay but also for the calm and confidence he exuded under pressure.

Highest Test score by an Indian left-handed batsman

One of the finest left-handers to have graced the game, Ganguly recorded his highest Test score in 2007 when he smashed 239 runs against Pakistan in Bengaluru. With this innings, he showcased his ability to dominate in the longest format with his trademark cover drives.

Most centuries by an Indian left-hander in One Day Internationals

Another record he holds is the most centuries by an Indian left-hander in One Day Internationals. Ganguly scored 22 centuries in 311 ODIs, amassing 11,363 runs at an average of 41.60. His tally places him eighth overall and second among Indians, reinforcing his status as one of India’s greatest ODI batsmen.

Player of the Match for four consecutive times in ODIs

In 1997, Ganguly won four straight Man of the Match awards in ODIs, a world record that showcases his incredible consistency and match-winning impact during his peak. This incredible achievement showcased his consistency and his ability to single-handedly control the match and deliver in pressure situations.

Highest individual score by an Indian in World Cup history

Ganguly’s blistering 183-run knock against Sri Lanka in the 1999 World Cup at Taunton stood as the highest individual score by an Indian in World Cup history. His innings included 17 fours and seven sixes, which showcased his ability to rise and deliver on the biggest stage. This achievement still stands as one of the finest knocks by an Indian in the tournament.

Only batsman to score a century on Test debut and a golden duck in his final Test

In a poetic contrast that even he may not have wished for, Ganguly scored a century on his Test debut at Lord’s in 1996 but was dismissed for a first-ball duck in his final Test innings against Australia in Nagpur in 2008. While the ending was not what he or his fans would have wanted but it still adds a unique chapter in his longstanding legacy, reminding every Indian of the journey of a player who changed Indian cricket forever.

15 cricketers made their international debut under Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly led India in 49 Tests and 146 ODIs with 21 and 76 wins respectively. He was not just the leader on the field; in fact, his leadership also involved giving young talents a chance, who later went on to become some of India’s finest players. The players who made their international debut under his captaincy are included in the list below.

Player Format Year
Yuvraj Singh ODI 2000
Zaheer Khan ODI 2000
Murali Kartik ODI 2000
Ashish Nehra Test 2001
Virender Sehwag Test 2001
Mohammad Kaif ODI 2002
Parthiv Patel Test 2002
Laxmipathy Balaji ODI 2002
Gautam Gambhir ODI 2003
Irfan Pathan Test 2003
Aavishkar Salvi ODI 2003
Amit Mishra ODI 2003
Dinesh Karthik ODI, Test 2004
Mahendra Singh Dhoni ODI 2004
R.P. Singh ODI 2005