After New Zealand’s thrilling win over India on the sixth day of the World Test Championship, former India captain and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly believes that Test cricket will stay the ultimate format of the sport.
“Test cricket was the last cricket format when we started playing cricket as a child and I think it is still the final format. And that’s why it is called Test cricket. I think if a player wants to be successful and make a mark on the game, Test cricket is the biggest platform one can get. People will always remember those players who play well and score runs in Test matches. If you look at all the biggest names in cricket – all the greats – in the last 40-50 years; They all have successful Test records,” Ganguly advised Star Sports.
Recalling his Test debut at Lord’s, Ganguly stated, “Not many people get to play their first Test at Lord’s and I remember fielding in a packed stadium at Lord’s. And it’s always been a pleasant hunting ground for me – every time I’ve gone back since my debut. “
“I was in awe to walk down the long room on the first day and luckily we fielded. Otherwise, as a batsman, I had to bat at number three. I scored 100 on Saturday, which is probably the best day for Test cricket with every seat being filled,” stated Ganguly, who scored a century on his Test debut.
“They say it couldn’t get better and the mindset of that Test match was remarkable. Like you said, you get cheers for every shot you hit on the back-stands and then finishing on 100 at tea time was special. I remember, during tea, I was batting at 100 and I was mentally exhausted – more than physically – because, first 100, the emotions, the joy, the heights make you tired too.”
“I used to be placing tape across the deal with of the bat as a result of it has simply began to melt, due to the bounce and the ball hitting the highest of the deal with. I keep in mind Sachin got here to me and stated – you calm down, have a cup of tea. So, I keep in mind I went to the dressing room and everybody stood exterior the dressing room to cheer me on due to my achievement. “
Talking about his journey in cricket to this point, the 44-year-old stated, “The entire journey of creating his 1996 debut, scoring 100 runs at Lord’s. Then in a number of years, captaining India, constructing a workforce – perhaps individuals rated effectively as somebody on the earth with successes. Then giving the captaincy to somebody and nonetheless being part of the match profitable journey and watching the nationwide workforce develop, develop into a drive world wide – that began below your captaincy. And then making an attempt to alter the sport whereas in an administrative position. I really feel very lucky that in my tenure as a President, India received a exceptional sequence 2-1 in Australia. It has been an exquisite journey and as a participant, as a cricketer, you can not anticipate something higher than this.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
