Rewind to the Ganguly of 2002Cricket +
Sourav Ganguly’s not one to restrain his emotions, as we’ve seen with his celebrations on the Lord’s balcony after India’s thrilling victory over England in the Natwest Series final in 2002. Today’s game between Pune Warriors and Delhi Daredevils at the Ferozshah Kotla may not have been equal in stature, but Ganguly’s celebration upon dismissing Kevin Pietersen almost – though not quite – matched the scenes witnessed ten years earlier.
Pietersen was bowled off Ganguly’s first ball – the ball kept low as Pietersen swung at it – of IPL 2012 and the 40-year-old Warriors captain sprinted across the field with his hand raised, his hair fluttering in the wind and threatening to fall off his head. The reaction underlined the importance of the wicket – Pietersen was looking dangerous in a stiff chase – as well as provided a glimpse of Ganguly’s intense involvement in a game in which his captaincy and approach played a critical role in the outcome.
Not only did he make 41 and pick up two wickets, he made bowling changes that worked – bringing himself on, and bringing back Murali Kartik who dismissed Virender Sehwag – admonished his fielders when they slipped up, went after his bowlers when they were off target, took time between balls to set his fields, celebrated passionately when his strategies paid off and argued with the umpires when a decision didn’t go his way.
Pietersen was bowled off Ganguly’s first ball – the ball kept low as Pietersen swung at it – of IPL 2012 and the 40-year-old Warriors captain sprinted across the field with his hand raised, his hair fluttering in the wind and threatening to fall off his head. The reaction underlined the importance of the wicket – Pietersen was looking dangerous in a stiff chase – as well as provided a glimpse of Ganguly’s intense involvement in a game in which his captaincy and approach played a critical role in the outcome.
Not only did he make 41 and pick up two wickets, he made bowling changes that worked – bringing himself on, and bringing back Murali Kartik who dismissed Virender Sehwag – admonished his fielders when they slipped up, went after his bowlers when they were off target, took time between balls to set his fields, celebrated passionately when his strategies paid off and argued with the umpires when a decision didn’t go his way.
Though still early days in the IPL, Ganguly’s eye for talent has also had an impact. Steven Smith was unsold at the auction ahead of the season, but was picked up by Pune Warriors later and he has delivered with some crucial cameos in the middle order and brilliant fielding. What Michael Clarke – also a new signing – does when he arrives remains to be seen.
A senior citizen by cricketing standards, Ganguly, at the Kotla, was at his emotive and combative best, a throwback to his days as India captain.
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