Twitter Reactions: Tributes Pour In For The Legendary Sourav Ganguly On His 49th Birthday

There are some players who enthrall us with their precocious talent with either bat or ball, there are some who leave a mark on us as well as the game with their inspiring leadership skills and then there are some who do both.

Sourav Ganguly, who is celebrating his 49th birthday today, belongs to those rare bred of cricketers who left an everlasting legacy both as a player but also as the captain of the Indian Cricket team.

Born on July 08, 1971, Sourav Ganguly made his international debut during the 1991/92 tri-series in Australia. However, it was his Test debut at Lord’s in the summer of 1996 that propelled Ganguly to superstardom as he smashed a brilliant hundred in his maiden innings.

Ganguly never looked back post his Lord’s heroics as he went on to establish himself as one of India’s premier players across formats.

The ‘Prince of Calcutta’ took over the leadership runs of the team when Indian cricket was in the midst of its darkest hour due to the match-fixing scandal.

One of the hallmarks of Sourav Ganguly- the captain- was the immense faith he used to display in his youngsters.

Under his leadership, the likes of Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Ashish Nehra, Mohammad Kaif, Irfan Pathan, and MS Dhoni prospered to become match-winners.

The Indian team has always been blessed with outrageous talent but it was Ganguly that instilled that killer instinct into the outfit.

Under Ganguly, India registered famous Test wins in countries like England, West Indies, Australia besides winning their maiden Test series in Pakistan.

Team India also qualified for the final of 2000, 2002 Champions Trophy, and the 2003 World Cup under Dada. The NatWest Trophy triumph in 2002, however, remains one of India’s greatest triumphs under his leadership.

Such is Ganguly”s impression as a feisty captain and his brilliant numbers that we often tend to overlook what an absolute beast of a batter he was in ODI cricket.

The third-fastest to smash 10000 ODI runs, Sourav Ganguly remains the only batsman to score 1000+ runs in four consecutive years- 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000- besides being one of the five to complete a rare treble of 10000 runs + 100 wickets + 100 catches in ODIs.

His Test average never dropped below 40 and he was the leading run-scorer for India in the longest format of the game post his comeback in late 2006 till his retirement two seasons later.

Ganguly was stripped of leadership duties besides being dumped from the team in August 2005 following the leakage of the controversial letter sent by head coach Greg Chappell to the BCCI where the Australian had stated that Ganguly wasn’t mentally fit to lead the team.

Ganguly, however, made a brilliant comeback a year later and till his retirement in late 2008, he was India’s biggest performer with the bat.

Ganguly scored a hundred in his second last international innings but was dismissed for a duck in his final essay.

Post his retirement, Ganguly ventured into TV commentary before trying his hands out in administration.

He replaced the late Jagmohan Dalmiya to head CAB before the former skipper went on to become the president of the BCCI, a position that he enjoys to date.

Also Read- Prithvi Shaw Doesn’t Want To Warm The Bench In England: BCCI Sources

Here is how Twitter is wishing Sourav Ganguly on his 49th birthday-

Here's wishing former #<!---->T<!---->e<!---->a<!---->m<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d<!---->i<!---->a captain & current BCCI President @<!---->S<!---->G<!---->a<!---->n<!---->g<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!---->9<!---->9 a very happy birthday. ? ? p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->P<!---->a<!---->g<!---->J<!---->Y<!---->l<!---->h<!---->p<!---->d<!---->H

— BCCI (@BCCI) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Few could match Dada ka Junoon, Dada ka Iraada .
May you be in good health and spirits always Dada. #<!---->H<!---->a<!---->p<!---->p<!---->y<!---->B<!---->i<!---->r<!---->t<!---->h<!---->d<!---->a<!---->y<!---->D<!---->a<!---->d<!---->a p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->6<!---->O<!---->g<!---->g<!---->6<!---->L<!---->L<!---->N<!---->5<!---->z

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

He took charge of Indian cricket in its darkest hour and led Indian cricket to a new dawn. Happy Birthday to the ultimate leader of men @<!---->S<!---->G<!---->a<!---->n<!---->g<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!---->9<!---->9 #<!---->H<!---->a<!---->p<!---->p<!---->y<!---->B<!---->i<!---->r<!---->t<!---->h<!---->d<!---->a<!---->y<!---->D<!---->a<!---->d<!---->a ? p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->E<!---->U<!---->o<!---->6<!---->F<!---->j<!---->y<!---->l<!---->Q<!---->v

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Dada taught us youngsters how to win and Dhoni made it into a habit. Two great leaders from different eras born just a day apart. Happy birthday to the men who shaped Indian cricket.@<!---->m<!---->s<!---->d<!---->h<!---->o<!---->n<!---->i @<!---->S<!---->G<!---->a<!---->n<!---->g<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!---->9<!---->9 p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->l<!---->8<!---->F<!---->7<!---->q<!---->a<!---->P<!---->l<!---->W<!---->r

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->6<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Many more happy returns of the day @<!---->S<!---->G<!---->a<!---->n<!---->g<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!---->9<!---->9 . May you be gifted with life’s biggest joys and never-ending bliss. Wishing you a great year ahead. #<!---->H<!---->a<!---->p<!---->p<!---->y<!---->B<!---->i<!---->r<!---->t<!---->h<!---->d<!---->a<!---->y<!---->D<!---->a<!---->d<!---->a p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->O<!---->2<!---->S<!---->X<!---->Z<!---->j<!---->H<!---->a<!---->M<!---->p

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Happy birthday my Captain ?❤️ @<!---->S<!---->G<!---->a<!---->n<!---->g<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!---->9<!---->9 Love Always #<!---->H<!---->a<!---->p<!---->p<!---->y<!---->B<!---->i<!---->r<!---->t<!---->h<!---->d<!---->a<!---->y<!---->D<!---->a<!---->d<!---->a p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->7<!---->f<!---->G<!---->i<!---->W<!---->7<!---->P<!---->8<!---->s<!---->K

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

My best wishes to you dada @<!---->S<!---->G<!---->a<!---->n<!---->g<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!---->9<!---->9 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! #<!---->H<!---->a<!---->p<!---->p<!---->y<!---->B<!---->i<!---->r<!---->t<!---->h<!---->d<!---->a<!---->y<!---->D<!---->a<!---->d<!---->a

— Suresh Raina?? (@ImRaina) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Birthday greetings to the BCCI President and former Captain of Indian Cricket team @<!---->S<!---->G<!---->a<!---->n<!---->g<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!---->9<!---->9 Ji. May you be blessed with good health and long life.

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Shubho Jonmodin Dada ? @<!---->S<!---->G<!---->a<!---->n<!---->g<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!---->9<!---->9
Can never forget my debut for India under your captaincy and your support.
Have a great one! p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->x<!---->a<!---->j<!---->D<!---->s<!---->9<!---->1<!---->g<!---->7<!---->T

— DK (@DineshKarthik) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Many many happy returns of the day @<!---->S<!---->G<!---->a<!---->n<!---->g<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!---->9<!---->9 .Your contribution to Indian cricket at critical times as captain and as administrator has been brilliant and wish you a very fruitful year ahead. #<!---->H<!---->a<!---->p<!---->p<!---->y<!---->B<!---->i<!---->r<!---->t<!---->h<!---->d<!---->a<!---->y<!---->D<!---->a<!---->d<!---->a p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->J<!---->H<!---->S<!---->o<!---->c<!---->F<!---->k<!---->t<!---->o<!---->L

— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Many happy returns of the day dada! Wishing you good health and happiness. Hope you have a great year ahead. @<!---->s<!---->o<!---->u<!---->r<!---->a<!---->v<!---->g<!---->a<!---->n<!---->g<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->X<!---->J<!---->n<!---->t<!---->c<!---->E<!---->F<!---->B<!---->3<!---->2

— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

The decisive leader who evidently contributed to the elevation of Indian Cricket. Have a wonderful birthday Dada! ❤️@<!---->S<!---->G<!---->a<!---->n<!---->g<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!---->9<!---->9#<!---->H<!---->a<!---->p<!---->p<!---->y<!---->B<!---->i<!---->r<!---->t<!---->h<!---->d<!---->a<!---->y<!---->D<!---->a<!---->d<!---->a p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->R<!---->B<!---->t<!---->B<!---->O<!---->e<!---->j<!---->6<!---->s<!---->O

— Suressh Gopi (@TheSureshGopi) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

? Third-fastest to 10,000 ODI runs
? Highest individual score for India at the Men’s @<!---->c<!---->r<!---->i<!---->c<!---->k<!---->e<!---->t<!---->w<!---->o<!---->r<!---->l<!---->d<!---->c<!---->u<!---->p – 183
? Captained India to 11 wins in 28 overseas Tests

Happy birthday to @<!---->S<!---->G<!---->a<!---->n<!---->g<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!---->9<!---->9 ? p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->d<!---->7<!---->C<!---->1<!---->o<!---->O<!---->9<!---->R<!---->m<!---->p

— ICC (@ICC) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Happy birthday Dada @<!---->S<!---->G<!---->a<!---->n<!---->g<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!---->9<!---->9 and best wishes to the family p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->Q<!---->d<!---->S<!---->4<!---->Q<!---->A<!---->z<!---->v<!---->x<!---->A

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Happy birthday to one of cricket's most glorious off-side players, Sourav Ganguly!

Captain or batsman – which side of @<!---->S<!---->G<!---->a<!---->n<!---->g<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!---->9<!---->9 did you like more? p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->k<!---->Q<!---->g<!---->Y<!---->Y<!---->8<!---->E<!---->C<!---->6<!---->C

— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

The man who revolutionised Indian Cricket, here’s wishing @<!---->S<!---->G<!---->a<!---->n<!---->g<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!---->9<!---->9 a very Happy Birthday! ? ?

Have a great day, Dada! ??

What is your favourite #<!---->D<!---->a<!---->d<!---->a memory?#<!---->P<!---->l<!---->a<!---->y<!---->B<!---->o<!---->l<!---->d #<!---->T<!---->e<!---->a<!---->m<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d<!---->i<!---->a #<!---->H<!---->a<!---->p<!---->p<!---->y<!---->B<!---->i<!---->r<!---->t<!---->h<!---->d<!---->a<!---->y<!---->D<!---->a<!---->d<!---->a p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->k<!---->y<!---->i<!---->V<!---->N<!---->f<!---->n<!---->c<!---->8<!---->S

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Dhoni got best players in his team
Ganguly created them
Ganguly is best captain ever is India produced : sandeep patil @<!---->S<!---->G<!---->a<!---->n<!---->g<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!---->9<!---->9#<!---->H<!---->a<!---->p<!---->p<!---->y<!---->B<!---->i<!---->r<!---->t<!---->h<!---->d<!---->a<!---->y<!---->D<!---->a<!---->d<!---->a p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->J<!---->R<!---->5<!---->B<!---->V<!---->j<!---->B<!---->K<!---->6<!---->f

— Michael Scofield (@ScofieldReddy) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

Birthday wishes to the man @<!---->S<!---->G<!---->a<!---->n<!---->g<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!---->9<!---->9 who has given us innumerable moments to cherish & changed the dynamics Indian Cricket.

Wishing You Good Health, More Success And A Joyous Year Ahead 🙂#<!---->H<!---->a<!---->p<!---->p<!---->y<!---->B<!---->i<!---->r<!---->t<!---->h<!---->d<!---->a<!---->y<!---->D<!---->a<!---->d<!---->a p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->H<!---->p<!---->a<!---->G<!---->y<!---->W<!---->c<!---->b<!---->3<!---->a

— Mahesh Babu Trends ™ (@MaheshFanTrends) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1