I was unbelievably dropped from the ODI side despite being one of the highest scorers in 2007: Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly is undoubtedly regarded as one of the most decorated skippers in Indian cricket. ‘Dada’ is heavily credited for inducing a winning attitude in Team India along with promoting youngsters in the squad. With his aggressive approach and exemplary leadership, Ganguly earned many accolades in world cricket.

The world witnessed India’s resurgence as the Ganguly-led side won ICC Champions Trophy in 2002 (joint-winners) and made it to the final of the 2003 World Cup under Ganguly’s leadership. Ganguly, who led India to 76 wins in 146 ODIs and 21 wins in 49 Tests, is the most successful Indian Test skipper overseas with 11 victories under his belt.

However, as fate would have it, Ganguly had to face an axe in 2007. After being stripped off captaincy during the Greg Chappell era in 2005, Ganguly made a stellar comeback in the 2006 South Africa series. He continued his run-scoring spree but he, however, was dropped from the ODIs along with Rahul Dravid for the Australia tour in 2007-08.

Ganguly, while reflecting back on his ousting, said that it’s still hard to believe that he was dropped from the national ODI side in 2007 despite being one of the highest scorers of that calendar year.

A year later, the left-hander bid adieu to international cricket. Ganguly, who played 113 Tests and 311 ODIs for India, said that he could’ve scored more runs for the national side if he was given two more series in the ODI format.

Give me three months, I will score runs for India: Sourav Ganguly

“It was kind of unbelievable. I was dropped from the ODI side despite being one of the highest scorers of that calendar year. No matter how good your performance is if the stage is taken away from you then what will you prove? And to whom? The same thing happened to me,” Ganguly said in an interview with Bengali daily ‘Sangbad Pratidin’.

“If I was given two more series in ODIs, I would’ve scored more runs. If I hadn’t retired in Nagpur (November 2008), I would’ve scored runs in the next two Test series too,” added the 48-year old.

Ganguly even said that he can still score runs for India in Test cricket if he is given three months to polish his batting skills. “In fact, even now give me six months to train, let me play three Ranji games, I’ll score runs for India in Test cricket. I don’t even need six months, give me three, I will score runs,” said Ganguly who has played 113 Tests and 311 ODIs for India.

“You might not give me an opportunity to play but how will you break the belief inside me?” asked the former India skipper.