Sourav Ganguly is one of India's most respected and charismatic cricket figures, known as 'Dada' by fans and teammates.
Sourav Ganguly, a name synonymous with Indian cricket history, is widely regarded as one of the country's most charismatic figures. Born on July 8, 1972, in Kolkata, Ganguly grew up in a well-established family, which laid the foundation for his future success. His international career took off in 1996 with a memorable Test debut at Lord's, where he scored a century, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. Appointed as the captain of the national team at a time when Indian cricket was struggling, Ganguly brought a new, fearless style of play that inspired future leaders of the game. Ganguly's name holds a special place in Indian cricket history, and his Test debut at Lord's in 1996, where he scored a century, truly announced his arrival. After retiring from the game, he stayed close to cricket through commentary and administration, eventually becoming the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Throughout his career, he represented Bengal in domestic cricket and played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Pune Warriors India, always wearing jersey number 99. Ganguly's net worth in rupees is estimated at around ₹600-700 crore. Ganguly was born into a Bengali Hindu family in Kolkata and belongs to the Kulin Kayastha community, a well-known and respected caste in Bengal. Often, he has been seen visiting temples with his family, which showcases his deep-rooted faith. Ganguly comes from a close-knit Bengali family in Kolkata, where his father, Chandidas Ganguly, was a well-known businessman in the city. Growing up, Ganguly was heavily influenced by his elder brother, Snehasish, who played cricket for Bengal. Ganguly married Dona, his childhood friend and a talented Odissi dancer, in 1997. Today, they have a daughter named Sana, who has mostly stayed away from the public eye but occasionally makes appearances with her parents. Chandidas Ganguly, Ganguly's father, was a well-known businessman in Kolkata, having built a successful printing business and earned a solid reputation in the city. It was Chandidas who first encouraged Ganguly to pursue cricket seriously, and he was also active in the Cricket Association of Bengal, which naturally gave Ganguly early exposure to the game. Ganguly's mother, Nirupa Ganguly, played an important role in shaping his early life, although not much is known about her personal details, as she decided to keep things private. Ganguly's elder brother, Snehasish, was a solid left-handed batsman who played for Bengal, and it was through watching him play that Ganguly first got drawn to the game. Even though his own career didn't reach the national level, Snehasish was always supporting him in the background without seeking the limelight. Ganguly doesn't have a sister; he grew up with just one sibling, his elder brother Snehasish Ganguly. Ganguly wore the jersey number 99 while playing in international cricket for India. He also wore the same jersey number while playing in domestic cricket and other leagues. Ganguly's relationship with his wife, Dona, is one of those real-life love stories that people still talk about in Kolkata. They had known each other since childhood and eventually fell in love, but things weren't exactly smooth in the beginning; both families were initially against the match. They got married in 1997, and Dona, a talented Odissi dancer, has always supported Ganguly, especially during the chaotic years of his cricketing career. Dona Ganguly is Ganguly's wife. Their relationship had its fair share of drama in the early days, with both families initially against the match, but they stood their ground and eventually got married in 1997. Dona is a trained Odissi dancer and has built a respected name for herself in the world of classical dance. Dona and Ganguly have a daughter named Sana, who has mostly stayed away from the public eye but occasionally makes appearances with her parents. Ganguly has not only made a name for himself on the cricket field but has also built an impressive net worth over the years. Today, Ganguly's net worth is estimated to be around ₹600 to 650 crore. He's been associated with several big brands, earning crores annually from endorsements alone. Ganguly's career is something fans still talk about. He first stepped onto the international stage in an ODI against Australia back in 1992, but it was his Test debut a few years later in 1996 against England that really put him on the map. Right from the start, he was known for his stylish left-handed batting. Ganguly's career numbers tell the story of a cricketer who was much more than just a stylish left-handed batsman. In Test matches, he played 113 games and scored 7,212 runs, with a career-best score of 239. He averaged 42.20 with the bat. He scored 16 centuries and 35 fifties in Tests, including 900 boundaries and 57 sixes. Although not a frontline bowler, Ganguly chipped in with the ball when needed, taking 32 wickets. Ganguly played a total of 59 matches across two teams, starting with Kolkata Knight Riders and later turning out for Pune Warriors India. In 56 innings, he scored 1,349 runs, with his highest being a solid 91. His average of 25.45 and a strike rate just over 106 may not jump off the page in today's T20 world, but back then, Ganguly played more of a guiding role. He made a dream start to his Test career with a century on debut at Lord's in June 1996. Ganguly scored over 11,000 ODI runs and more than 7,000 Test runs, which is a remarkable feat in itself. But what truly set him apart was his leadership. One of his biggest achievements as captain was leading India to the final of the 2003 World Cup. He also guided India to rare overseas success, drawing a tough Test series in Australia and winning in Pakistan and England between 2002 and 2004. Even after retiring from the game, Ganguly continued to shape Indian cricket, serving as the 39th President of the BCCI from 2019 to 2022. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2004 and later received the BCCI's Lifetime Achievement Award. Back in 1997, he was also named one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Year. Ganguly is 53 years old, born on July 8, 1972. Dona Ganguly is Ganguly's wife. The couple got married in 1997. Dona is a trained Odissi dancer and has built a respected name for herself in the world of classical dance. Ganguly's net worth is estimated to be around ₹600 to 700 crore. He's been associated with several big brands, earning crores annually from endorsements alone. Ganguly's career achievements include scoring over 11,000 ODI runs and more than 7,000 Test runs. One of his biggest achievements as captain was leading India to the final of the 2003 World Cup. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2004 and later received the BCCI's Lifetime Achievement Award.