"Once upon a time there lived a boy, who hailed from the crowded City of Joy -- Kolkata. Little did he know in his growing years, that he would be called the ‘Prince of Kolkata' one day. Nicknamed 'Maharaja' from his childhood days, his parents perhaps knew that a leader was born in their house..."
Sourav Chandidas Ganguly -- a name that every Indian fanatic will relate to, a name that will echo in the history books as India's most successful captain, bid adieu to international cricket on 7th October 2008, marking the end of a golden era. Just before Australia's tour to India commenced, Sourav, who is fondly known as 'Dada' announced his retirement, which is to be effective after the all-crucial series.
I was sitting contentedly on my couch, aimlessly flipping through television channels, when I came across the man himself say, "Before I leave, I have to make an announcement. This is going to be my last series. I have decided to quit. These four Tests are going to be my last. Thankyou all for your support." I woke up in a state of alarm. The remote slipped of my hands, my ears couldn't believe the words that it just heard and my mind was left with visuals of Dada's roller-coaster career.
Dada's departure came at a time, when the air was thick for the former Indian skipper and the sense of foreseeable glaring at each and everyone of us. Sourav's love-hate affair with controversies always occupied the average cricket fan's collective realization. So much so, that his sudden exit from the centre-stage left millions flabbergasted.
A mission that was initiated by Ganguly to give his best for Indian cricket was suddenly aborted. From the time he made a disappointing debut to a time he made an impressive comeback in international cricket five years later; through masterful elegant cover drives, through dancing down the pitch to attain maximum, through his 'golden arm' claiming wickets at crucial times and his willingness to face the music as a fiery skipper, Dada's has been a gripping story. However, his final few chapters left the nation divided over whether he should stay or mark a graceful exit.
But known for his stubborn, yet brave self impression, Sourav himself decided to settle the entire issue. Irrespective of the aftermath, in true Dada style, the man decided to brush all his critics once and for all. With elements of shock and surprise, that has been a part of his signature; Ganguly will be remembered for his on-field heroics both as a captain as well as a cricketing genius.
In what many deem a revolution in Indian cricket introduced by Dada, his roundabout rules and courageous moves motivated the youngsters to shed their inhibitions. He took Team India to a competitive plane, got them close to winning the 2003 World Cup and more so shocked the all-conquering Oz by embracing and beating them in the game which they have ruled for over a decade.
In such times, I can recollect Ganguly once saying, "Some people have called me arrogant or believe that is my reputation, which is far from what I really am like."
His killer instinct and pay-back attitude was contagious. The unforgettable image of waving his shirt bare-chested after a famous win at Lord's itself spoke a lot of his instinct for the game. A bunch of youngsters, with the likes of Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan etc grew under his leadership, who till date contribute to India's growth on a higher plane as tough competitors.
Afterall, "The leadership instinct you are born with is the backbone. You develop the funny bone and the wishbone that go with it." -- Elaine Agather.
For me and for many, Dada was all about cricket, all about revolution, all about a born fighter. But for those who knew him personally Sourav was an anchor in Indian cricket, a leader to a new phase and a great friend.
"... the city loved him, the nation embraced him, the world treated him like a Prince. But his enemies were far from done. However, the 'Prince' continued to fight all odds and made a mark in this world. But the bloodbath got too messy for his royal highness to handle, as he decided to leave his rivals behind and walk a new path. His subjects will remember him forever and as for the Prince he hoped to live happy every after."
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