Former Indian Skipper Sourav Ganguly, Who Turns 41 Today, Speaks To Boria Majumdar On Captaincy, Commentary And His Impending Autobiography. Excerpts from INN fast-wheeling interview:
You have left international cricket for four years now. Yet when you stepped on the field in Birmingham for your commentary stint during the Champions Trophy final, the crowd reacted to you as if you are still playing. Clearly you continue to be their hero.
You can say I am blessed. This is clearly God’s gift. The kind of affection I continue to receive is often overwhelming. People still treat me the same way like they did when I was India’s captain and I am deeply touched by these gestures.
I have some fantastic memories associated with England as a cricketer. My debut hundred at Lord’s, winning the Headingley Test as captain in 2002 and winning the Natwest Trophy before the Test series, constitute some of my best memories as a player. I’m sure people remember these moments and you must also add the fact that in the recently concluded Champions Trophy the Indians played outstanding cricket, which made sure that the fans were in high spirits. All these things explain the reaction you are talking about.
You were one of India’s best captains. I am not getting into the debate with Dhoni and who is the best ever, there is no denying that you built the foundation on which Dhoni is building the superstructure. Your thoughts.
I don’t believe in comparisons. You can’t compare eras, players, opposition, etc. It isn’t possible. There were many captains before me who did a good job. Also, and perhaps the most important factor is that I had a great set of players. A captain is as good as his team and I had some of the greatest ever players who have played for India. Tendulkar, Dravid, Sehwag, Laxman and Kumble can walk into any team in the world. Take the Champions Trophy for example. Dhoni did not even have to bat and yet India won the tournament. It is all about how good a team you have. I have always maintained that winning away from home is the most important yardstick and in that sense I was fortunate to have a bunch of players who could beat every team in the world away from home. Likewise, Dhoni’s success in ODIs is just mind blowing. It is not about me or Dhoni or Rahul. It is about Indian cricket. A captain is like a baton bearer in a relay. Each of us have a job to do and each of us will then pass on the baton to the next person in line who will then do his bit for Indian cricket.
Talk about your current life as commentator. It looked like a seamless transition from player to commentator. You have already carved out a niche for yourself as one of the most respected commentators in the world.
I don’t consciously try to be the best. I say what I see and try to keep it simple and go deeper at the same time. I don’t criticise players because I have been there and done it all. I am perhaps a little lenient on players at times. A couple of years back I remember walking up to Richie Benaud in Australia and asking him what makes a good commentator. What is it that a commentator is supposed to bring to the table? Richie told me that he had asked the same question to John Arlott, in England, in the 1970s. Arlott told him, “Don’t say what you see. Add something to it.” That’s what I try and do. While keeping it simple I try to go deeper for the viewers.
You have enjoyed great success and that phase was followed by one of struggle.Youareactuallyagreat story. Your life is also a lesson in leadership in many ways. Why don’t you write your autobiography? How will people know the real Sourav Ganguly some decades down the line?
I will for sure. I was waiting for the right time. I continued to be really busy after giving up international cricket and did not have the time. There was IPL and my plan was to do the autobiography once IPL was over. That will make it complete. Now is the time and I will definitely start doing the book in the near future.
On that note will it be a tell all? Will you really open up and give us the real story?
It is difficult to say at this point whether it will be a ‘tell all’ but there’s no doubt I will write and speak the truth. Let me start writing and then I will be in a better position to answer.
What’s the plan for the 41st birthday? I know there will be no celebration because of your dad’s demise in February.
I’ll spend the day at home. There will be no celebrations this time because of my dad’s death. Having said that I am looking forward to spending some quality time at home with family. It always feels good to be able to do so.
