​Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is all set to be inducted into the International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame on July 11, a development confirmed to TOI. This induction will place Ganguly among an esteemed cadre of Indian greats already honored by the ICC, including MS Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Vinoo Mankad, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, and Bishen Singh Bedi, along with former India women’s captain Diana Edulji.
Coincidentally, July 8 marked Ganguly’s 54th birthday, and the makers of his biopic, Dada, released the film’s first-look poster. The image features Rajkummar Rao portraying Ganguly, captured in a moment of triumph as he waves his India jersey after India’s victory in the 2002 NatWest Series final against England at Lord’s. One of Indian cricket’s most iconic images—Ganguly shirtless, jersey raised in jubilation—remains a defining symbol of his fearless leadership and exuberant style.
Ganguly himself reacted to the poster when he shared it on social media, calling it the “best gift ever.” He wrote, “The Best Gift Ever! Can’t wait to see you play my cover drive! @rajkummar_rao.” His enthusiasm underscores the enduring excitement surrounding both the man and his portrayal onscreen.
As a player, Sourav Ganguly’s career achievements speak for themselves. He accumulated 7,212 runs in 113 Test matches, including 16 centuries, and added 11,363 runs in 311 ODIs, with 22 ODI centuries to his name. He also took 132 wickets, contributing with useful medium-pace bowling. Beyond his run tally, Ganguly is remembered as one of ODI cricket’s most prolific and influential openers, forming a memorable and productive partnership with Sachin Tendulkar that helped redefine Indian one-day cricket.
Ganguly’s impact extended far beyond the stroke play of his covers and straight drives. He earned the nickname “God of the off-side” for his ability to pierce packed fields with elegant and audacious shots through the off-side region. His elegance with the bat, combined with his strategic mindset, solidified his reputation as one of India’s greatest and most graceful batsmen, as well as a captain who transformed Indian cricket’s psyche.
Taking over the captaincy in 2000, Ganguly inherited a team grappling with a difficult period in Indian cricket, marked by a controversial phase of match-fixing scandals looming over the sport. Yet his leadership ushered in a new era of confidence and resilience. Under his guidance, India built a squad of world-class talents, including Tendulkar, Sehwag, Laxman, Kumble, and Harbhajan Singh, who flourished under his astute leadership. This generation produced a string of memorable overseas Test victories that rekindled India’s swagger on the global stage, reshaping the country’s cricketing identity.
Ganguly’s influence shone in several landmark moments: India’s joint victory at the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy (the event’s title is often overlooked but pivotal in reestablishing India’s competitive edge), the path to the 2003 ODI World Cup final in South Africa, a historic Test series win in England, and a resurgent performance that culminated in India breaking Australia’s dominance during a dramatic Test series win in Kolkata in 2001–04. Together with Tendulkar and a cadre of stellar players, Ganguly’s leadership helped India regain confidence, compete aggressively abroad, and cultivate a fearless approach that defined a new generation of Indian cricketers.
Today, with his induction into the ICC Hall of Fame on the horizon, Ganguly’s legacy continues to inspire aspiring cricketers and fans around the world. His career is celebrated not only for the runs and centuries but also for the lasting impression of his leadership, his distinctive off-side mastery, and his role in shaping modern Indian cricket. The ongoing anticipation around his Hall of Fame induction further cements his place in cricket’s pantheon as one of India’s most influential and beloved figures.