Board of Control for Cricket in India President Sourav Ganguly is celebrating his birthday today. On the special occasion, plenty of cricketers and IPL franchises wished him.

‘Dada’ was one of India’s greatest captains ever. He was at the helm when India rose in the cricketing world. Under him, India reached the 2003 World Cup final. Although they lost to Australia, Ganguly’s aggressive style of captaincy impressed everybody. Such was his passion for Indian cricket that he rarely held back his emotions, on or off the field.

The famous incident at Lord’s is one such moment that is etched in every Indian fan’s memory. After defeating England in the 2002 Natwest Final, Ganguly removed his shirt and waved it on the Lord’s balcony. This was in response to an earlier stunt that Flintoff had pulled off at the Wankhede Stadium.

Prior to him, India’s image was that of a mellow country that was yet to rise to the level of the West Indies and Australia. On Ganguly’s arrival, the landscape completely changed. India became a force to reckon with, giving tough competition to the all-conquering Australian team of the 2000’s.

His contribution with the bat was equally impactful. In 311 ODI matches, Ganguly amassed 11363 runs at an average of 41.02. He formed one of the best ODI partnerships alongside Sachin Tendulkar. His stylish stroke-play in the cover and square regions of the cricket field earned him the nickname, ‘God of off-side’.

Sourav Ganguly announced his retirement from international cricket in 2008. He continued to work in administration roles, becoming the President of Cricket Association of Bengal. Ganguly now serves as the President of India’s apex board, BCCI.

On the occasion of his 49th birthday, Sourav Ganguly received plenty of wishes from the cricketing fraternity.

Here are some of the Tweets wishing Sourav Ganguly:

My best wishes to you dada @SGanguly99 The Indian cricket will forever be grateful to you, thank you for bringing out the best in everything! Your passion towards cricket will always be an inspiration for generations to come! #HappyBirthdayDada

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) July 8, 2021

When Dada led you on to the field, you somehow felt taller. Happy Birthday to the captain who patted your back when you did well and put a hand around your shoulder when you didn’t. #DadaBornleader @SGanguly99 pic.twitter.com/FVRaHySnFI

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 7, 2021

Many more happy returns of the day @SGanguly99 . May you be gifted with life’s biggest joys and never-ending bliss. Wishing you a great year ahead. #HappyBirthdayDada pic.twitter.com/O2SXZjHaMp

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) July 8, 2021

আমার প্রিয় দাদি। শুভ জন্মদিন। আপনার সামনে একটি স্বাস্থ্যকর এবং সুখী বছর কামনা করি|

My beloved Dadi. Happy birthday. Wishing you a healthy and happy year ahead. pic.twitter.com/wX9WlPZpPU

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 8, 2021

Few could match Dada ka Junoon, Dada ka Iraada .
May you be in good health and spirits always Dada. #HappyBirthdayDada pic.twitter.com/6Ogg6LLN5z

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 8, 2021

Happy birthday @SGanguly99 dada 🎉🥳🥳. May god bless you and have a great year ahead 🎉.

— Richa Ghosh (@13richaghosh) July 8, 2021

Wishing you a very happy birthday @SGanguly99 dadi… Keep inspiring generations. Stay happy, stay healthy, stay safe… 🎂🎂#HappyBirthdayDada pic.twitter.com/k9TfC9UNWn

— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) July 8, 2021

Wishing a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the Bengal Tiger. #BCCIPresident @SGanguly99 #SouravGanguly pic.twitter.com/0fL7rkiXdY

— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) July 8, 2021

Ek hi toh hai Dada! Inspirational leader, ultimate fighter but for all of us, he is simply Dadi. @SGanguly99 #HappyBirthdayDada #HappyBirthdaySouravGanguly #HappyBirthdaySouravGanguly pic.twitter.com/QbbUT8KGIf

— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) July 8, 2021

Happy Birthday @SGanguly99 Dada! Your contribution to Indian cricket first as a captain and then as an administrator has been absolutely remarkable. I wish you good health and well-being for the year ahead!

— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) July 8, 2021

Shubho Janmodin Dada!! 🙌🎂

One of the greatest pillars to Indian cricket history!! A great mentor in a friend!! Hope you have a great day and the best year ahead! @SGanguly99 pic.twitter.com/3ln1syjKc4

— Ishant Sharma (@ImIshant) July 8, 2021

Wishing you a lots of health and happiness @SGanguly99
To the man who changed Indian cricket mindset from playing not to loose to playing to win #HappyBirthdaySouravGanguly #HappybirthdayDada

— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) July 8, 2021

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