Sourav Ganguly turns 48 today!

Sourav Ganguly is one of the most charismatic captains the game of cricket has ever seen. Today, Dada turns 48! In October last year, he turned a new leaf and became the 39th President of the BCCI.

Let us take a look at some of the incredible facts about Sourav Ganguly.

On 20 June 1996, a 23-year-old left-handed batsman made his Test debut for India along with Rahul Dravid, against England at Lord’s. Sourav Ganguly scored a brilliant ton and that 131 against England still remains as the highest score for any international player on debut at the iconic venue.

During his illustrious international career, Ganguly played 113 tests and 311 ODIs accumulating 18,575 runs, including 38 centuries and 107 half-centuries. Dada has a decent bowling record for India at the highest level, picking up 132 wickets and his best bowling figures being 5/16 against Pakistan in ODI.

Ganguly is also an ardent football fan, and as a matter of fact he wanted to represent the Indian football team but, it was his elder brother Snehasish who introduced him to cricket.

In 2000, Sourav Ganguly was named the captain of the Indian national team after Sachin Tendulkar decided to step down citing health reasons. He began his captaincy with good results, leading India to a win over South Africa in the ODIs and led the indian team to the final of the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy.

Here are some of Dada's records and achievements:

• Sourav Ganguly is the eighth leading run-scorer in ODI cricket with 11,363 runs and the second highest among Indians.
• In the 2003 ICC World Cup Semi-final, India were up against Kenya, he smashed 111 and became the first Indian to score a century in a World Cup knockout fixture.
• He is the only cricketer to win four consecutive man of the match awards in ODIs.
• He is one among the five cricketers who have completed a unique treble of 10,000 runs, 100 wickets & 100 catches in ODI cricket.
• He is also the first player to score three centuries in ICC KnockOut/ Champions Trophy.
• His 117 in the final of 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy against New Zealand still remains the highest score by an individual player in the final of ICC KnockOut/ Champions Trophy.
• He holds the record of highest individual score by an Indian at the World Cup (183) previously held by Kapil Dev.
• He is also a recipient of Padma Shri Award, India's fourth highest civilian honour.

Wishing you a long healthy life, and once again a very Happy Birthday Dada!