Shoaib Akhtar leaves special message for Sourav Ganguly on his birthday

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has left a special message for former India skipper Sourav Ganguly. With Ganguly turning 47 on Monday, Akhtar was all praise for the legendary skipper. During their illustrious playing careers, Akhtar and Ganguly had several duels against each other and it is safe to say that the cricketing world thoroughly enjoyed them. The two then became teammates in 2008 when Akhtar was roped in by the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Ganguly was the captain of that star-studded side. Akhtar had missed the initial part of the tournament but made his presence felt when he joined the team later. His terrifying bowling was a treat to watch. Akhtar’s devastating spell against Delhi Daredevils when he picked up 4 for 11 is still considered as one of the best spells in the history of the tournament. Akhtar, however, could play only three games for the Knight Riders.

However, those three games were more than enough for him to realise just how good a captain Ganguly is. The legendary pacer in his birthday wish for Ganguly said that the former India batsman was the best captain he played under other than his compatriot Wasim Akram.

“A very happy birthday to Dada @SGanguly99. Other than @wasimakramlive, Dada is the best captain I played under at @KKRiders. A beautiful human being & someone who genuinely represents cricket as a gentleman’s game.
Lots of love,” wrote Akhtar.

A very happy birthday to Dada @SGanguly99. Other than @wasimakramlive, Dada is the best captain i played under at @KKRiders.
A beautiful human being & someone who genuinely represents cricket as a gentleman's game.
Lots of love. pic.twitter.com/v6bKVtcRHy

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) July 8, 2019

Ganguly the legend

Sourav Ganguly is one of the greatest cricketers to have played for India. On his Test debut at Lord’s, he scored a century against England and did not look back thereafter. With 11,363 runs in 311 ODIs, Ganguly is currently the third highest run-scorer for India in the ODIs. He, however, will be best remembered for being the fearless captain who gave Indian cricket a new direction.

Ganguly was handed over the captaincy of the Indian team in 2000 in the wake of the match-fixing scandal. And it did not take Ganguly long to change the course of Indian cricket. Ganguly is India’s joint most successful skipper overseas. He drew a Test series in England and Australia as well beat Pakistan at their own backyard. Ganguly led the team to its first series victory against South Africa as well as the final of the 2003 World Cup.