Saurav Ganguly will return to the ground where he made his dream Test debut in 1996. Lords awaits the prince that came and conquered with a century that announced his entrance into the international scene. He had waited four long years to get his opportunity after being banished into the wilderness after being selected on the tour to Australia. He had received a lot of criticism for his aloofness and princely attitude and had been discarded after the tour. This would be the start of a quite extraordinary journey for someone that has evoked a lot sentiment, good and bad throughout his long and illustrious career.
I vividly remember his innings and how impressed I was with his determination and the way he fought through against all the odds. He had that fighting spirit that would see him through for all that awaited him and that fire in his belly to play for his country. I could sense that here was someone that would leave his mark on the game and he has certainly done that. He certainly looked a Test player at that stage but I had not imagined that he would have been so successful in the one day game for which he is more well known now. His dancing down the pitch to a spinner to hit a straight six is a sight to behold on the cricket pitch. It is definitely a rival to his immaculate off side shots that pierce the field so precisely. He went on to form a formidable opening partnership with Sachin Tendulkar that was very successful and it is such a shame that it was broken when he took over the captaincy.
His aggressive captaincy definitely propelled the Indian team to a new level and made them a force to be reckoned with. He faced up to the bullying Aussies and got under their noses like no Indian player before him. He did counter a lot of criticism at times but he was successful and he strived for a winning Indian team with more metal and fighting qualities.
He is now at the autumn of his career after having recently returned from being dumped from the team after his famous tussles with the former coach Greg Chappell. He was down and out and written off by all and sundry, but he refused to bow out and has bravely fought his way back on merit.
He returns to England, a country that he likes, for what is likely to be his last tour and to a place that he has had much success. There must be many thoughts going on in his mind on how the tour will go. He seemed to be in a contemplating mood when I captured some shots of him on the field at Chelmsford. He was very pensive and thoughtful and rehearsing his strokes for his return to Lords in a few days time perhaps.The final chapters of his story are yet to be written on what has been one of the most interesting stories of a person that has evoked more sentiment than almost anyone else. As he reflects on what has been and what is yet to come, one feels that there are a few more chapters left and the prince will only bow out on his own terms.
4 comments:
Just the start of the series and you're at the scene with the camera and all ... good stuff !!
The help-with-bags offer stands...
It's not everyday that the Indian team comes to town and I can't keep away.
The bags are getting heavier so you are more than welcome to help..:)
Serenic views.
I feel the talks of last hurrah for the 3 greats of India is premature. The greats of Aussies -- Warney and Pigeon played untill they were 38 and the 3 Indian greats are just 34. Peaking age of the batsmen. Lara played till 39.
Anyways, Saurav seems to be more hungrier and keen for success. No wonder if he hits a purple patch again.
The golden generation of Indian cricket has to script a few more triumphs and victories. They wont fade so soon
The next tour to England is 4-5 years away and there is the possibility that all 3 may not be around then,with Dravid already announcing that this is his final tour.
As for Saurav, he will know when the time is right. If they go on all well and good.
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