People will forever remember those who make runs in Tests: Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly is unarguably one of the finest cricketers to have graced the sport of cricket. The prolific left-handed batter was a master of his craft, while his spectacular leadership led the nation to great heights in the sport.

Having made his debut at the iconic Lord’s in 1996, the southpaw announced his arrival with a sensational century. Representing the nation, the Bengal pride took over the charge to captain India when it had the rock bottom due to scandals of match-fixing, but Ganguly’s India ensured to get themselves known for the right reasons.

In a career spanning across 16 years, Ganguly established his name alongside Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and VVS Laxman in what was the original Fab Four of Indian cricket. After his cricketing days, he has been equally successful in multiple administrative roles. The incumbent BCCI president recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of his Test debut and opened up and reminisced his journey.

Test cricket is ultimate cricket: Sourav Ganguly

“When we started playing cricket in our childhood, Test cricket was the ultimate cricket format and I think it still is the ultimate format. And that is why it is called Test cricket. I feel if a player wants to be successful and leave his/ her mark on the game, then Test cricket is the biggest platform one can get. People will remember those players forever, who play well and make runs in Test matches,” said the 48-year-old said during a chat with Sportstar.

Opening up further on his journey as an Indian player, he said, “The entire journey, making a debut in 1996, getting a 100 at Lords. Then in few years, getting to captain India, getting to build a team – probably people rated as good as anybody in the world with the successes. Then giving the captaincy off to somebody and still being a part of the journey of winning matches and seeing the national team develop, becoming a force all around the world…”

Ganguly further said that he considers himself fortunate for being able to play a successful administrative role after his playing days. “And then being in an administrative role, trying to change the game. I feel very fortunate that during my tenure as a president, India won in Australia, 2-1, in a remarkable series. It has been a fantastic journey and as a sportsman, as a cricketer, you don’t expect anything better than this.”