5 life lessons we can learn from Sourav Ganguly
Numerous captains have led the nation before his stint and plenty more will do so in the coming future. However, Sourav Ganguly has managed to carve a unique niche for himself in the annals of Indian cricket. With his bold leadership as well as tactful man-management skills, the stylish left-hander instilled immense self-belief in his team mates and consequently transformed the entire outlook of the Indian team across both Tests and ODIs.
Extra Cover: 5 life lessons we can all learn from Rahul Dravid
When he ascended to the throne of captaincy at the turn of the millennium, Indian cricket was probably at its lowest ebb. While the vestiges of the infamous match-fixing scandal threatened to tear the game apart, the team's performances away from home also left a lot to be desired. However, a braver and stronger India emerged under Ganguly's captaincy. The country's successes in the latter part of the 2000s and early stages of the 2010s are largely due to the foundation established by the 'Prince of Calcutta'.
Drawing parallels with Ganguly's inspirational captaincy as well as tenacious batting, here are five life-lessons we can all learn from his memorable career.
#5 Never listen to naysayers
Before he could turn 20, Ganguly received his maiden call-up to the national team for the Benson & Hedges World Series in 1992. Making his ODI debut against the then intimidating West Indies pace battery on a rock-hard surface in Brisbane, he endured a painful stay at the crease before succumbing to a vicious delivery from Anderson Cummins.
(Video Courtesy: robelinda2)
Following the chastening debut akin to fire and brimstone, Ganguly spent more than four years in the wilderness. When he returned to the Indian team for his inaugural sojourn in Test cricket, naysayers stooped low and termed his inclusion as a 'quota pick'. However, the Calcutta-born batsman did not pay heed to doubters and chose to let his bat do the talking. After announcing his arrival in grand style with a splendid century at Lord's on debut, he reached three figures once more in Trent Bridge to become only the third batsman in the history of the game to score a century in each of his first two Test innings.
The manner in which Ganguly won over his naysayers stands as a perfect example in dealing with doubters. In every sphere of life, the presence of skeptics aplenty is the common link. Instead of walking into their traps by letting them get into our heads, it becomes imperative to channel our energies in the proper direction. After all, there is no better way to respond to pessimists than ignoring their cynical views and letting our work do the talking.