Logo

Logo

Sourav Ganguly reveals the knock that saved his career

Speaking about Laxman’s omission from India’s 2003 World Cup squad, Ganguly said “maybe it was a mistake”.

Sourav Ganguly reveals the knock that saved his career

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly (Photo: Twitter/@ICC)

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly said on Wednesday veteran cricketer VVS Laxman’s famous 281-run knock against the mighty Australians in Eden Gardens saved his career.

Speaking to media in Kolkata at the release of Laxman’s autobiography “281 And Beyond”, Ganguly went on to say that Laxman’s book should have been named “281 And Beyond, and saved Sourav Ganguly’s career.”

“The title of the book is not right. It should have been 281 and beyond, and saved Sourav Ganguly’s career,” Ganguly said. Former pace ace Zaheer Khan was also present at the event. Laxman’s book is co-authored by R. Kaushik.

Advertisement

Trailing 0-1 after their loss in Mumbai, Sourav Ganguly-led Indian team was playing the Aussie team in Kolkata in 2001 and was asked to follow-on. However, VVS Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid (180) put up a 376-run stand for the fifth wicket and brought India back into the game. India won the match by 171 runs and ended Steve Waugh-led side’s winning streak.

Speaking in Kolkata, Ganguly expressed his disappointment over the title of the book and said, “I also texted him a month back but he didn’t reply.”

“I strongly opposed the title because if he had not scored 281, we would have lost the Test and I would not have been captain again,” said a modest Sourav Ganguly.

Speaking about VVS Laxman’s omission from India’s 2003 World Cup squad, Ganguly said “maybe it was a mistake”.

“Laxman was a player who could have done well in all formats. In hindsight, maybe it was a mistake. As a captain, you take decisions and things happen which may not be right or wrong,” Ganguly added.

Advertisement