1996 England tour’s Trent Bridge century was the best b’day celebration: Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly celebrating his 44th birthday with his fans. Xtra Time
Sourav Ganguly celebrating his 44th birthday with his fans. Xtra Time

Kolkata: Standing on 2016 Sourav Ganguly recalls of his 1996 days. On his 44th birthday he confessed that the century at Trent Bridge against England, two days before his birthday, was the best birthday celebration for him. After crossing several hurdles during his cricketing career his birthday proved that cricketer Sourav is more important to himself as well as to his fans.

Today the president of CAB celebrated his birthday in his own home at Behala. From the early morning fans and supporters thronged in-front of his house to wish him happy birthday. Some came from part of Midnapore, some from Bankura or some from Kalyani. They brought bouquet, cakes. Dada tried to meet them but it was impossible to meet them individually as they were such a large in number.

Sourav Ganguly considered these fans as ‘blessings’. He is now a cricket administrator leaving the direct ground game. Witnessing such a fan-following he reacted, “Its a blessing. I consider it as a blessing and I am fortunate enough.” When asked how many cakes he cut
today he replied, “I can’t say” as there were ample number of cakes gifted by fans.

However, when asked about his best birthday celebration at first he was little confused. Later he replied, “In 1996 I had a test century at Trent bridge just two days ahead of my birthday. It was against England. I can consider that as the best birthday celebration for
mine.”

About today’s celebration Sourav said, “It is like other normal days. When you are young you are very happy on your birthday. Gradually that happiness goes down as you grow up. There will be a food party in the evening. Otherwise my mother organised puja at home as she does every year.”

The CAB president has been used to with his busyness as he replied to the question of missing the special day during his busy present schedule. He said, “Life has been used to with it. I spend everyday in this way. So I am used to, it’s not a problem.” This showed the same challenging Sourav who can face anything easily dodging all
hindrances.