“Just one last thing lads, before I leave, I just want to say that this is going to be my last series. I’ve decided to quit. I’ve told my teammates before I’ve come here. These four Test matches are going to be my last. Thanks for all your support and hopefully we can end on a winning note.”
These words marked the end of an era for one of India’s greatest cricketers. It also spurred many a reaction from former cricketers, to colleagues, to cricket pundits around the world. Here are all the reactions…
It’s hard to come and watch a cricket match from the stands. So enjoy the last four days… You’ve been fantastic and it’s under you that we learnt to win Tests abroad. We cherished your batting. You had the opportunity to do everything possible on the field. All the best in your retired life! Thanks for your support. - Anil Kumble
It was under Sourav’s captaincy and when John was the coach that I re-emerged as a batsman... The team too went from strength to strength 2000-01 onwards. Sourav and John changed the team’s thinking and we became more confident. Sourav’s contribution as captain won’t be forgotten. He backed match-winners. As a batsman, well, he has been a great performer. Anybody with over 7,000 Test runs and over 11,000 runs in ODIs has to fall in that category. - VVS Laxman
I have always backed Ganguly who has been performing to the best of his abilities. Unfortunately, only Ganguly was not picked for the Rest of India team (in the Irani Trophy). That should not have happened. - Syed Kirmani
Sourav’s 7000 was very special. He is going out there and enjoying the game… He is not under any pressure. He is playing his shots and you want Sourav to play like that. He is very different from the others. - Dhoni on Dada's performance in the Mohali Test
It came as a surprise as he told us in the dressing room that he was quitting. He's had a brilliant career and I for one have thoroughly enjoyed playing with him. There have been some memorable moments that he has given to the game and also the immense joy he has given to the team. -Sachin Tendulkar
What more could he have asked for? He's seen it all. Played some fascinating knocks in one-dayers; batted well in Tests at home and away; won Tests abroad and led India to a World Cup final. It's been special to have been part of a middle-order alongside him. I hope I learnt something from him and added something to his cricket. - Rahul Dravid
I think any sportsman would like to go out on his terms. Sourav is a great servant of Indian Cricket and has proved to be a great leader, especially away from home. I remember the series against Australia (2003) where his innings helped India draw at the Gabba. He has been a catalyst for change and upward mobility for Indian cricket. Any great player leaving will leave a gap but that also means an opportunity for a youngster. - Brian Lara
Ganguly had a superb career as a cricketer. He was an outstanding captain and a great player. I suppose all great careers have to end at some time or the other. Probably the fact that he had to play for India A following his selection in the Test team might have triggered the decision. He should leave with a hundred, in a blaze of glory... That will please all of us. - Dilip Vengsarkar
It was no doubt a big decision by him. He probably wanted to go out on a high and the series against Australia provides him a great opportunity. - Kiran More
When Sourav discussed his plans with me and other teammates of his, I was truly shocked. I think he has served the country exceptionally well. I personally think he has taken the right decision at the right time. I only hope he goes on a high by helping his team beat the world champions at home. I congratulated him and what else could I do when a man who has given so much for the country and for the game decides to quit. Ganguly has served the country well and it is now time for him to go and let us keep it at that. – Chief of selectors, Krish Srikanth
I'm quite surprised. But at the same time, I think it's a good decision. There could be no better decision than this. He has done wonderfully well for the country. So a dignified exit was imperative on his behalf. He has played cricket successfully, he has led the side successfully; 12 years of an illustrious career. He had a huge impact on some of the players, he created Yuvraj, had a great influence on Harbhajan Singh's career. Arguably he is one of the best captains we have had so far. He proved himself beyond anybody's doubt. – Javagal Srinath
He could have played for more time. He showed tremendous mental toughness by making a comeback. It was Ganguly who instilled this no-fear attitude in Indian cricket, which has seen the team scale new heights. If he has taken this decision then there should be some problem attributed to this. – Inzamam-ul-Haq
We all enjoyed his batting and his passion for the game. I would not mourn his retirement but would recall the joy he gave us all with his game. I hope he plays a gem of a knock against Australia and makes us proud. We are anyway proud of whatever he has done for the country. - Kapil Dev
It (Ganguly's retirement) will certainly create distractions. The decision takes pressure off Sourav but puts pressure on some other and the Indian players. I'm sure the crowd in India will be eager to come out and see Sourav play his last Tests. - Ricky Ponting
It is a sad day for Indian cricket that he has decided to retire. But he has taken a brave decision and he will go as one of the 'icons' of Indian cricket. - Shoaib Akhtar
He took over the captaincy at a very difficult time when they had a leadership void in their cricket. And he was one of most inspirational captains. He has taken the right decision because only he knows the situation he was facing. But his contribution to Indian cricket is immense. - Mohammed Yousuf
I would like to celebrate his retirement, rather than mourn it because of his enormous contribution to Indian cricket. A great player, a legend of the game has hung up his boots and we all should celebrate his contribution. - Bishen Singh Bedi
I really feel he had a few years of cricket left in him. But perhaps it’s the player who knows himself best. But I know Ganguly as one of the most resolute players. His elegance as a batsman is of high class. At one point of time he used to be called the God on off-side. I am sure everybody will miss the Bengal Tiger. His contribution had been immense to international cricket. He was a batsman of pure class. - Mohammed Azharuddin
He was a big asset to Indian cricket and he had lot of leadership qualities. But if he has decided to retire I think he knows what is right for him now. - Shoaib Malik
He has left his mark on Indian cricket and he will be remembered as a very successful and astute captain. - Aamair Sohail
I am surprised to hear this. He was the top performer some time ago. I really feel he had a few years of cricket left in him. - Anshuman Gaekwad
It is an important moment in Indian cricket. It is a good decision he has taken and at the right time.People will now know this is the last time they will be watching one of their favourite cricketers. It's a moment every big name in cricket deserves. I take my hat off to Ganguly for what he did to Indian cricket after 2000. he was a leader who gave India a lot of belief after what was a difficult stage in Indian cricket. That is Ganguly's contribution to Indian cricket for which he will be remembered. -Sanjay Manjrekar
It seems that there is more than his ability as a cricketer which has prompted him probably to take this decision, then that is very unfortunate. It is expected to be shown due honour at least and nobody should have a feeling that he has been treated in a manner which has prompted him to call it a day sooner than one would have been happy to. - Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee
I was taken aback, surprised too. There’s definitely a sadness attached to the decision but all good things have to come to an end. When you think of it rationally, it is a good decision because a player of his magnitude and stature should go out on a high. I wish and pray he has the series of his life against Australia. Not for anything else, but only because he deserves it. I was a fan then and am a fan now. - Arun Lal
The good thing is that despite his strong presence and influence he had the courage to take the correct decision. His decision to retire at this stage would set a good precedent for other senior players. He brought a lot of fighting spirit to the Indian team and he made them believe they are world beaters. He backed his players to the hilt and that is the sign of a great captain. - Haroon Rasheed
I feel it’s a very good decision. I still remember the day when he was selected for the England tour in 1996… It’s been a long journey… Long 12 years… He has taken a great decision after a successful career in all three forms of the game. I feel after Sunil Gavaskar, his (Sourav’s) will be another graceful retirement. - Sambaran Banerjee
Frankly it did not come as a surprise to me. He’s a thinking cricketer. These cricketers know their bodies well. He must have thought deep and consulted people whom he trusts and then decided. -Chandu Borde
I have no immediate comment regarding this. - Jagmohan Dalmiya
Personally I feel very down after hearing this. But professionally speaking, I would like to mention that this is a timely decision. - Deep Dasgupta
It’s a big loss for the game. A vacuum is created when a cricketer like him retires. - Current selector Raja Venkat
Ever since he made his Test debut, people have raised fingers over Ganguly's inclusion in the side, and it has remained to date. So one can sympathise with his feelings that he has always been singled out during selection issues. His outburst is understandable. - Sunil Gavaskar
I am a big fan of Ganguly. I didn’t like the way Ganguly was made to retire. I know he was obviously struggling for the past couple of years but he deserved more respect. - Swedish golfer Daniel Chopra
Each person knows when the time comes to retire. Sourav believes the time is now. Not many players get the great fortune to call their own ending and coincide it with a major series at home. Sourav has been an incredible performer and servant to Indian cricket. I’m pleased that he has got this opportunity to script and perform his last chapter. - John Buchanan
It must be very frustrating for Ganguly’s fans. Yet, their hero has played 109 Tests, led in 49 and finishes as India’s most successful captain. It is an impressive record. I suspect posterity will treat Ganguly much better than his contemporaries did. - Suresh Menon, Cricinfo
I believe the decision has come very early. I feel that he still has at least two years of cricket left in him. The news comes as saddening to me. He has been a legend for Indian cricket, the most successful captain. I hope he departs on a good note. – Dada’s Coach Debu Mitra
He has made the right decision, as he will go out gracefully now and be remembered with respect and admiration. Indian cricket will miss his strong will, character and presence in the dressing room.- Ramiz Raja
I feel really hurt when a senior player is treated like this. It is unfortunate. We have given our heart and soul for the game. Don’t we deserve a better farewell. Senior player is next to coach. In our country people remember one bad performance and forget past nine good shows. They constantly criticise you. Same thing happened with me and now with Sourav. - Dhanraj Pillay
0 comments:
Post a Comment