When it is Sourav Ganguly, controversies seem to chase him everywhere.
When it is Sourav Ganguly, controversies seem to chase him everywhere.
There is something about the Australians that does not go down well with the Kolkata cricketer. He has been involved in numerous run-ins against the men from Down Under throughout his international career. He has never backed down and has had the final say every time. His most publicised spat was with Greg Chappell during the former Australian skipper's stint as India coach.
It looks like Dada has some more battles left to fight in the Indian Premier League . He was first given to understand that he was the whole and soul of Kolkata Knight Riders, only for another Australian, John Buchanan, to come and tell him that he was not good enough to be captain.
Once again his pride is hurt and it is in his nature that he won't give up without proving himself. And Buchanan has chosen the wrong venue to upset the left-hand batsman. South Africa holds special significance for Ganguly. It is here that he tasted his biggest moment, leading the Indian cricket team to the 2003 World Cup final.
More importantly, it is here that he proved his point against Chappell with a gutsy comeback in the 2006-07 Test series. He ended as the highest Indian run-scorer in that series and capped his fairytale comeback with four half-centuries on his return in ODIs. He played solidly and even as Chappell quit in humiliation following the 2007 World Cup debacle. Ganguly retired on his own terms leaving on a high after a successful home series against Australia.
Knight Riders' campaign is floundering, having lost two out of three matches, but Ganguly's performance graph is looking up. His heroic 30-ball 46 against Rajasthan Royals dragged the Riders back into the game after a middle-order collapse.
Chennai Super Kings will be aware that pressure brings the best out in Ganguly. "He is a champion performer and we had some good contests. Looking forward to bowling to him," said Kings' off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.
Write off Dada at your own peril. Buchanan is treading on thin ice here.
Saturday: Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings,u00a0u00a0u00a0 Live on Max, 20:00
