Famous India Captain Sourav Ganguly is celebrating his 50th birthday today. Ganguly is credited with changing the face of Indian cricket through his face-to-face attitude and aggressive leadership style, thus ushering in a new era.
Ganguly is currently in London with his family, where he was joined by former teammate and close friend Sachin Tendulkar, BCCI general secretary Jay Shah and former IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla.
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in an exclusive interview with News18Ganguly, the current BCCI President, talks about his journey so far and how he plans to reduce his workload.
You have scored a fifty. How do you feel now?
(smiling) Nothing special as I am getting older with each passing year as is my workload. But standing at the age of 50, I can feel that it is the right time to reduce my workload and maximize the enjoyment of life.
You have an incredible and inspiring journey. You have had your fair share of ups and downs. How does it feel to stand here when you look back on those memories?
I feel really nostalgic. To be honest, I consider myself very lucky to have played five hundred matches wearing my country’s jersey and was the captain in two hundred of them. From being a player to being a CAB first and then BCCI administrative personnel, God has given me a lot and I am grateful. Therefore, I believe that it is my duty to help people. I try to help those players for whom I have a soft corner in my heart.
So how do you see your life after 50?
Trust me, I go with the flow of life. But I will try my best to reduce my work pressure. To be honest, I don’t know if this effort will be successful or not, but I will definitely assess my workload at the end of the year.
Every birthday has its own importance. Which birthday memory is still fresh in your mind?
In 2002, we defeated England in the final of the NatWest Series at Lord’s. And my birthday was just a few days later so we celebrated it in England.
For Bengalis you are the face of struggle, the epitome of positivity. How did you keep yourself motivated?
Trust me, I don’t see this as a struggle. A few days back, during an event, I was talking about how I give my 100% for every responsibility that comes my way. If I am not fully dedicated then I am not doing justice to it (work). I am also a human being so maybe three-four times out of 10, it may not turn out as expected but the effort will never be less than 100 percent.
Have COVID-19 and health issues changed your philosophy towards life?
Not necessary. Kovid-19 is still prevalent but now its horrors have been brought under control. No one in the world would have thought that they would be facing such a huge health crisis, but hopefully we are approaching the stage of the pandemic.
What was the turning point of your career?
The first Test match of my life in 1996, the century (on dab) definitely changed my life. Since then, I have believed in full capitalization of opportunity as it only opens more doors.
You have been associated with the game for a long time – first as a player and now as an administrator. What changes have you seen?
Big change. First Test then ODI, then T20 – the pattern has changed. When I started, the standard of cricket was very high which is more or less the same but what has improved the most is the infrastructure. Now it is completely modern. I remember my first international series in 1992 (Australia), I was paid Rs 30,000 for the whole tour. Now a player is getting 1 to 1.5 crore rupees for a tour. So, that has changed and certainly for the better.
Have you taken any resolution after turning 50?
I just want to be fit and healthy. Along with this, continue your work with full focus and responsibility.
rapid fire round
What if you weren’t a cricketer?
it’s hard to say. I don’t know when and where life will take me.
Your first income and expenses.
From playing Ranji Trophy. And I can only remember treating myself with that money.
Do you believe in reincarnation? If yes, what would you like to be in your next life?
I want to be a left handed batsman again in my next life.
People are very excited about your biopic. How would this portray you?
real saurav
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