Why Sourav Ganguly was the underrated hero at the Eden Gardens
Eden Gardens has always been one of India's best stadium in terms of facilities and world-class amenities for practice and training. Established in 1864, the stadium has undergone many renovations in order to achieve the current seating capacity of 66,000.
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Although the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has been criticised by many cricket enthusiasts and well-wishers for facilities and support functions in the past, yesterday’s game was a glowing embodiment about how they have been making strides under the new regime.
As things began to look bleak because of the heavy downpour two hours before the game, CAB President Sourav Ganguly and the groundsmen did an excellent job to keep the ground dry by removing the water logged at various places.
In no time, the ground was ready for the national anthem and for the match to begin.
Not long ago, Eden Gardens made the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Last year, an international T20 was cancelled here after just 30 minutes of rain because of poor drainage facilities. The no-result gave South Africa a 2-0 series win and deprived India of a shot at redemption.
And a big congratulations to @SGanguly99 . The Eden took the rain better than ever before. In October, we wouldn't have played today
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 19, 2016
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has been the Joint Secretary of the CAB from the summer of 2014. After the sudden demise of Jagmohan Dalmiya, he was appointed the President of the Cricket Association of Bengal last September. Before that, he has been involved in several administrative roles in Indian cricket with Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman.
Right man at the right place
Throughout his career, Dada has always shown the highest form of leadership, transparency, and integrity. Not just that, he has cleaned up a lot of mess and united the warring factions of CAB like he did with the Indian Cricket team when they were all scattered.
Ganguly has always been one such person whom the opposition will hate but admire his authority within. I have always believed that cricketers should be administrators of this game as they can understand the real issues much quicker than the politicians who have no idea about the ground reality.
Yesterday was a lesson for BCCI and hopefully, we can see more former cricketers in top positions in the near future.
#WT20 Men: Former Captain and CAB President @SGanguly99 is taking stock of the situation #Ind v #Pak pic.twitter.com/e0T35Vsqk4
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 19, 2016
Dada: Good captain and now a good administer
He is one of the most revered sportspersons in the country with other 90's cricketers like Dravid, Sachin, Kumble amongst others. People do vouch for his foresight and abilities and thus have belief in him.
After his appointment, he promised to get rid the 'Mecca of Indian cricket' of its perennial waterlogging problems. He proved that yet again.
Before the World Cup, CAB brought in machines that could absorb water that is left on the pitch cover. They got zero-point grass cutters and four super-soppers.
Well done @SGanguly99 &CAB for being prepared&taking necessary precautions for rain after what happened in Oct in the Ind-Sa series @BCCI
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 19, 2016
Yesterday, the ground staff under the supervision of the CAB President also used a brand new inflatable pitch cover.
When it came to doing work at the ground level and getting his hand dirty, Ganguly didn’t shy away either. As everyone became speculative about the condition of the pitch, he got onto the ground himself with trousers rolled, to examine the pitch.
Dada looked into every nook and corner of the field apart from being involved in all the work that was being done.
Thank you for making the game happen
The fact that we could witness the match yesterday and India kept their chances of qualifying alive was possible because of them. They had to work many-a-times in heavy rain. Getting the bulky covers on and off. Once the rains stopped, they had to steer clear the water from the ground.
It was undoubtedly one of the hardest things to do and yet their efforts went unnoticed because it was not broadcasted. To give you a perspective, here is a snapshot of the ground staff covering the ground:
However, big or small the game is, Dada made it a point to talk to groundsmen - a way of showing gratitude and respect for their hard work.
Thank you, CAB.