Sourav Ganguly is a name that redefined the Indian cricket in ODI format. The runner-up captain of 2003 Cricket World Cup turned 53 today and is more remembered as a “Prince” or “Dada”. In the golden era of Indian batting he dominated the ODI format along with the names of Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar. He scored a total of 11,363 runs in 311 ODI games which includes 22 centuries and 72 fifties. Among all his records and achievements, he is most remembered for an ODI innings which was a turning point in his career.
1999 Cricket World Cup
England hosted the seventh edition of the 50-over Cricket World Cup in 1999 and the Indian Cricket Team failed to make it to the semi-final. However, the World Cup would always be remembered by every cricket fan for Sourav Ganguly’s remarkable innings against Sri Lanka.
The Knock That Defined a Career
Sourav Ganguly’s scored a fiery 183 runs with 17 boundaries and 7 sixes. He overtook Kapil Dev’s historic 175 in the 1983 World Cup and till date remains the highest individual score by an Indian in the 50-over World Cup.
The match was a must win for India to keep their hopes alive for the super six stage. Batting first, Sourav Ganguly was in an attacking mode right from the beginning. He built a historic 318 run partnership with Rahul Dravid for second wicket. Sourav Ganguly innings at Taunton was a mix of aggression, pull hots and cover drives.
India posted a mammoth total of 373-6, the highest in a World Cup match at that time and won the game by a huge margin of 157 runs as the total proved to be too big for the defending champions Sri Lanka.
This performance not only kept India in the tournament but also heralded Ganguly’s emergence as a genuine force on the global stage.
His remarkable innings continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Indian cricket fans even after 26 years !!!
It was more than just a career-best performance; it was a defining moment. That innings showcased Ganguly’s class, grit, and flair, traits that would later come to shape a new era of bold and fearless Indian cricket under his captaincy.
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Karan Singh Rathod is a dedicated sports journalist known for his sharp attention to detail and flair for storytelling. With over a year of experience in writing and editorial work, he blends thorough research with compelling narratives to deliver engaging sports content. A passionate follower of football and cricket, he starts his mornings with a newspaper to stay updated with sports, fashion, and current affairs. Outside of journalism, Karan enjoys traveling and discovering new destinations.
