Sourav Ganguly will go down in history as one of the best captains in the world. As far as India is concerned, he is the one that taught us to win abroad and look the opposition in the eye.
Between 2000 and 2005, Ganguly brought in several players who would go on to make a name for themselves. He backed them and trusted them to do well for the team. In a way, one could say that the Prince of Kolkata was the man who shaped their careers.
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Here are 5 such individuals who went on to become what they are as a result of Ganguly’s backing:
1. Virender Sehwag
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Sehwag was predominantly a middle order player but Ganguly promoted him to the opening slot. The result paid dividends as he went on to become India’s most explosive opener for over a decade. Big scores and brisk starts ensured some great wins for the Men in Blue.
2. Yuvraj Singh
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Picking a novice for the 2000 ICC Trophy proved to be a masterstroke. The 18-year-old shone with the bat, proved more than useful with the ball and electric on the field. Yuvraj would eventually go on to take India to great heights and had key roles in winning the 2007 World T20 and 2011 World Cup
3. Irfan Pathan
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A bowler who could bowl quick and swing came to prominence Down Under when Dada trusted him with the likes of Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra injured. Subsequent good performances made him better and from 2004-2008 he was India’s premier fast bowler.
4. Harbhajan Singh
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After fighting with selectors to pick him for the 2001 home Test series against Australia, Ganguly was vindicated when the offie took 32 wickets in 3 Tests including a hat-trick. Harbhajan went on to partner Anil Kumble and after the latter’s retirement in 2008, became India’s lead spinner till 2011.
5. Zaheer Khan
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Line, length and precision. Picked out of a handful of domestic players by the skipper, Zaheer was India’s go to man for early wickets. He was the joint highest wicket-taker in the 2011 World Cup and had a pivotal role in India’s 1-0 Test series win in England in 2007. Between 2006-2011, he was possibly the best left-arm seamer in the world.