Top 3 Knocks By Sourav Ganguly

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly, also known as the “Prince of Kolkata”, turned 51 on July 8, 2023. In his 16-year- long career, he helped India win a lot of games with his batting talent and leadership prowess. From 2019-2022, he also served Indian Cricket as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president.

Ganguly’s stint as a player is still recalled by Indian cricket team supporters as the legendary cricketer is credited for changing the Indian team with his leadership skills. However, along with his captaincy, he also helped India to clinch matches with his exceptional batting talent. His 51st birthday is the best time to remember some of the extraordinary knocks that he has played in international cricket.

Here are the top three knocks of Sourav Ganguly in international cricket

3. 131 vs England at Lord’s in England in 1996

In 1996, Ganguly got a chance to make his Test debut during India’s tour of England. After losing the first Test to the hosts, India were looking to make a comeback in the second game at Lord’s. For the important match, India trusted youngsters Ganguly and Rahul Dravid to reinforce the team with their batting.

Winning the toss, India skipper Mohammad Azharuddin invited England to bat first. Riding on their wicketkeeper batter Jack Russell’s 124 and Graham Thorpe’s 89, England posted a competitive total of 344 on the board. After England’s disciplined batting display, India needed to bat sensibly to be in a commanding position.

However, openers Vikram Rathour and Nayan Mongia threw their wickets at scores of 15 and 24 respectively and India saw themselves in trouble. Ganguly, who came at number three, took the matter into his hands and played an exquisite knock of 131 to take the team to a score of 429 runs in the first innings. Along with him, the debutant Rahul Dravid also scored 95 to help India give a solid reply to the hosts. In the end, the match ended in a draw but Ganguly became a notable name in the international circuit for his swashbuckling performance at the iconic stadium.