For some, he’s the best captain Indian cricket team ever had. For some, he changed the face of Indian cricket forever. For some, he laid the foundation of India’s dominance overseas. For some, he gave fans their most revered cricketing stars. For some, his iconic celebrations on the Lord’s balcony will be etched in their hearts forever. But for all, he’s the universal ‘DADA’.
July 8 was the day when Sourav Ganguly was born and on Monday, we got a glimpse of how much everyone still loves the ‘God of the Offside’ and how much he loves them back. What made this July 8 more special for his fans was the present that Ganguly gave. Though quite vocal on Twitter, Dada surprised his fans by opening an Instagram account, to give more insight to his otherwise shy world. Do check his profile out!
In a career spanning over 16 years, the now 47-year-old amassed more than 18000 runs, donning the national shirt on 424 occasions. Even though his on-field numbers are enough proof of his brilliance, it’s not that which defined his career. From his debut to an opener to India’s captain to a commentator now, the one trait that has made Ganguly stand out is his charisma. The same charisma which he showcased on the field, the same charisma that made thousands look up to him, the same charisma that put oppositions at unease and the same charisma that lifted Indian cricket from the ashes of scandals and match-fixing to become a world dominator.
Thus, it’s no surprise that the world came together to make his day extra special. Here is a compilation of some of the best tweets dedicated to the man.
Virender Sehwag, as usual, was his goofy self, sharing one of the most iconic images of Ganguly:
Happy Birthday to a 56” Captain , Dada @SGanguly99 !
Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag), July 8, 2019
56 inch chest,
8th day of the 7th month, 8*7 = 56 and a World Cup average of 56. #HappyBirthdayDada , May God Bless You !
Official handles of ICC and BCCI also didn’t shy away from recognising his greatness:
Batsman, bowler, captain, commentator.
ICC (@ICC), July 8, 2019
One man. Many faces.
Happy birthday, @SGanguly99!
An inspiration for many and a leader in the true sense. Happy Birthday @SGanguly99 #HappyBirthdayDada
BCCI (@BCCI), July 8, 2019
Sourav Ganguly in World Cups
⭐ 1006 runs in 21 matches
⭐ Highest score by an Indian (183 in 1999)
⭐ Three centuries in a single edition (2003)What a player! Happy Birthday, Dada!
Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup), July 8, 2019
Some of his former teammates were also not left behind:
Happy Birthday Dadi! From playing with you in our Under-15 days to now commentating with you. It’s been quite a journey. Have a great year ahead!
Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt), July 8, 2019
Many more happy returns of the day @SGanguly99 ! Wish you ever more success and love #HappyBirthdayDada
VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281), July 8, 2019
Happy Birthday to a man who brought about a fantastic transition in Indian cricket, a brilliant leader who backed guys he believed in to the fullest . But aise kaun chadhta hai , Dada @SGanguly99 #HappyBirthdayDada
Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif), July 8, 2019
It was a pleasure to share the dressing room with one of the finest captains, Indian cricket ever produced. A very happy birthday to @SGanguly99. #HappyBirthdayDada
R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh), July 8, 2019
Some of the present cricketers also joined in the celebration:
KING of the offside, DADA of cricket, LEADER of the pack.
Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25), July 8, 2019
Happy birthday legend- @SGanguly99 dada
Many many happy returns of the day Dada…
IamKedar (@JadhavKedar), July 8, 2019
The man who laid foundations of new generation Team India…
Have a super year!!!@SGanguly99 #HappyBirthdayDada
Many happy returns of the day dada! The man who changed the face of Indian cricket. @SGanguly99 #HappyBirthdayDada
Pragyan Prayas Ojha (@pragyanojha), July 8, 2019
Also, before you leave, here are some more from experts and fans alike:
Dear @SGanguly99 Dada. Wish you a Very Happy Birthday. Wish you lot of Good Health & Happiness. Congratulations on your Instagram debut too #HappyBirthdayDada #HappyBirthdayGanguly
Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary (@Sudhir10dulkar), July 8, 2019
Ganguly was the guy who brought Indian Cricket from a phase where its medium fast bowlers apologized to the batsman for bowling a bouncer
to
THIS. #HappyBirthdayDada
Gabbbar (@GabbbarSingh), July 8, 2019
In 1999, we were rocked by fixing scandals and were slaughtered in Australia. Within 4 years, we defeated Australia, Sehwag, Zaheer & Yuvraj were blooded and we played a World Cup final. Happy birthday @SGanguly99, the man who led Indian cricket out of it’s worst mess ever.
Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj), July 8, 2019
We can’t forget the days you made us believe we can beat any team in the world. That foundation and belief is doing wonders till today. Wish you good luck and a very Happy Birthday Sourav Ganguly #HappyBirthdayDada
Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja), July 7, 2019
Words of great Steve waugh about Dada.
Rohitvarma (@AAMIRCRAZE), July 7, 2019
#HappyBirthdayDada
Without you there is no indian team today..The best ever captian of indian team#HappyBirthdayDada
krish✌✌ (@saikris47047996), July 7, 2019
Here’s to more ‘Dadagiri’ off the field, as Ganguly carries forward his career behind the mike, lending his voice to the game he grew up to boss.
Featured photo courtesy: Indranil Mukherjee / AFP