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Sourav Ganguly, pic:x

Xtra Time Web Desk: Sourav Ganguly, one of India's most iconic cricket captains, celebrates his 52nd birthday on July 8. The affection and admiration for the 'Dada' of Indian cricket is on full display as fans and former players pouring in their wishes for the legendary cricketer.

Sourav Ganguly, noted for his distinct leadership style throughout his time on the pitch. In the summer of 1996, he made his Test debut against England, earning the nickname 'Dada'. He quickly made headlines after scoring a century in his first Test at Lord's and the 'Prince of Kolkata' then went on to smash a ton in the second Test, becoming the third batter in history to make a hundred in each of his first two innings. 

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His influence extended beyond mere statistics, inspiring a generation of cricketers such as Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, and MS Dhoni, who flourished under his leadership in the early 2000s. Known for his elegant stroke play, Ganguly's cover drives were a hallmark of his batting prowess, making him the lord of offside.

His ascension to captaincy in 1999 marked a turning point for Indian cricket. Ganguly's leadership brought a new, aggressive style, rejuvenating the national team and helping them move past the scars of the match-fixing scandal. Under his command, the team became a fearless and competitive unit, showcasing a newfound self-belief.

One of Ganguly's crowning achievements as captain was leading India to the final of the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup. Despite falling short to Australia in the final, the journey to the summit rejuvenated Indian cricket. His tenure was also marked by significant victories, including the memorable 2001 Test series win against Australia, where India's historic comeback in Kolkata, driven by VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid, remains etched in cricketing lore. Ganguly is also credited with mentoring and nurturing future stars. His faith in players like Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Zaheer Khan paved the way for their success, underscoring his ability to spot and nurture talent.

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His leadership, defined by aggression and confidence, left a lasting legacy, laying the groundwork for future triumphs, including India's victories in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.

He is also one of the main reasons for the emergence of the idea of day-night Test cricket in India. His efforts paid off as India played its first-ever day-night Test match against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens in 2019. Sourav Ganguly, a true definition of captain, laeader, legend!