Sourav Ganguly is was perhaps the most intimidating Indian player during his career. The former Indian captain never shied away from any challenge and took it head-on. His contributions towards Indian cricket will never be overlooked and his legacy will live forever. Ganguly was the Alpha of the Indian team and was always a prominent figure in the squad during his long 15 years career.
After hanging his boots he enjoyed his career in television and dropped bombshells through his replies and comments. Currently, he is the President of BCCI and is the most dominant figure of Indian cricket.
We take a look at the times when Ganguly amazed everyone with his humorous responses that left everyone speechless. Much like in his career as a player, Ganguly was a ‘Box Office’ even behind the microphone.
Here are 5 times when Sourav Ganguly showed his Dadagiri and replied in style:
5. His banter with Naseer Hussain
Even after their playing days the rivalry between Sourav Ganguly and Naseer Hussain never stopped. Their constant friend banter with each other always had fans entertained. Once when Hussain asked Ganguly where can he see the Indian team in the football World Cup he wasn’t spared but the former Indian skipper.
Nasser: “When can I see India in the FIFA World Cup?”
Ganguly: “If India had played football for 50 years, then we would have qualified for the finals at least once.”
4. Hilarious take on the “Mauka Mauka” Ad
Star sports in 2015 came up with a hilarious advertisement that was aired during the build-up for the India-Pakistan World Cup match in Australia. This was an absolute legendary Ad that showcased how India has always beaten Pakistan in world cup matches. On Air popular commentator Harsha Bhogle asked whether Ganguly has seen the “Mauka Mauka” ad or not to which he came with a hilarious answer.
Harsha: “Have you seen the new ‘Mauka Mauka’ ad?”
Ganguly: “Yes I have seen that ad and this ad will remain the same for next 10 to 12 years because Pakistan will never beat India in the World Cup.”
3. Letting Geoffrey Boycott know that Lord’s isn’t the Mecca of Indian Cricket
The iconic Lord’s stadium in London is considered to be the home of cricket. Several times the England commentators never hesitate to remind everyone that it is the mecca of cricket. Once former English player Geoffrey Boycott tried telling that to Ganguly which resulted in him getting a befitting reply from Dada.
Boycott: “You must mention your experience about taking your jersey off and flying it in the air at the Mecca of Cricket: Lord’s! Oh, you naughty boy!”
Ganguly: “One of your boys also took off his jersey here in Mumbai.”
Boycott: “Yeah, but Lord’s is the Mecca of cricket”.
Ganguly: “Lord’s is your Mecca, and Wankhede is ours!”
2. Future work for MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni is the master technician who stuns oppositions through his strange fielding placements. Once in the commentary box Ganguly after being impressed stated that Dhoni should write a book once he retires from the game.
Ganguly: “Once Dhoni retires, he should write a book on field placements.”
1. Ganguly the Prime Minister of India
Rahul Dravid once sledged his former skipper for his infamous fitness during his career. Sourav Ganguly wasn’t the fastest between the wicket and as a result, got run-out many times. Dravid in the commentary box let Ganguly know about all this, for which the ‘Prince of Kolkata’ had the smartest reply.
Dravid: “If Ganguly had been a yard quicker and just a little bit fitter, he would have been a match-winner”.
Ganguly: “I wish I was the Prime Minister of India, I could have done a whole lot of things”.