'If you poked Dada, you were going to get something back' - Graeme Smith recalls playing against Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly is regarded as one of the most decorated skippers in Indian cricket. ‘Dada’, known for his fearless leadership skills, never held back in expressing himself on the field. No Indian fan can forget the sight of an animated Sourav Ganguly unfurling his shirt at Lord’s.

Ganguly is often credited for Indian cricket’s overhaul. Former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith also recently mentioned that Ganguly was never shy in giving it back if anyone tried to mess with him on the field. While remembering Ganguly’s shirt-waving celebration at Lord’s, Smith said that it reflected the passion which the former Indian skipper had for the game.

“I think all of us remember that celebration, it was a beautiful sight seeing Dada. More than anything besides the humour of it all, it was the passion that he showed in celebration,” said Smith on Star Sports’ Cricket Connected.

“It showed how much India winning meant to him and to overcome the challenge of winning the NatWest Trophy in England, to win away from home, driving Indian cricket forward. I think that shot epitomises everything we have discussed today,” added Smith, who is currently Cricket South Africa’s director of cricket.

We know that Dada never backed away: Graeme Smith

Smith was also asked if he was ever made to wait for the toss by Sourav Ganguly, just like he did with Steve Waugh. However, Smith responded that such an incident never happened. But he pointed out that one would always get something back if he tried to poke ‘Dada’.

“No, he didn’t. We had one or two moments when we were at each other a little bit. I was quite feisty in my youth as a captain and certainly, we know that Dada never backed away. You knew if you poked Dada, you were going to get something back always,” recalled Smith.

Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara also shared his perspective on the interactions he had with Sourav Ganguly. Sangakkara also mentioned that he has had quite a few meaningful discussions with Ganguly over the years.

“I did get to know Dada quite well over the years and I really enjoyed speaking to Dada on everything, whether it was about playing cricket or captaincy. I got to know Dada a lot more intimately,” said Sangakkara.

Here’s the clip: