Mumbai, India (CU)_ It was a special day to remember for BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, when the former India captain was honored by the British Parliament. The former cricketing legend expressed delight over the recognition as he addressed the media. He said, “I was felicitated by the British Parliament as a Bengali so it was nice. It was in the Parliament. They contacted me six months ago. They do this award every year and I got it”.
Back in 2002, the Indian cricket icon was honored for leading India to victory in the Natwest final on July 13, 2002. Accordingly, 20 years later, he was honored exactly on the same date and in the same city. Sourav Ganguly shared his memories. He said, “Oh! yeah I saw that on instagram. It has been a long time isn’t it? 20 years ago. Yeah great moments in sport beating England in England is nothing better than that. The current team is doing it. They won the T20 series. They are 1 up in the one day series”.
The manner in which India won England in the T20 International was admirable, as Rohit Sharma and team clinched the three-match series with a match to spare. Also in ODIs, they are one victory away from clinching the series. The former India captain was happy with the first ODI wicket and how the Indian bowlers utilized the conditions. Sourav Ganguly shared his views of the match. He said, “That is what England has always been. They will always be helpful for the bowlers. I thought Bumrah and Shami were outstanding in the first spell and that just took the game away from England. India batted well to win with 10 wickets. 110 runs shows how well they batted on this pitch. It has been very good so far”.
India’s chances of winning a Test series in England for the first time in 15 years were dashed as they lost the Edgbaston Test but won the T20I series 2-1. As a result, the series finished in a 2-2 tie, shattering India’s hopes of winning a Test series in England for the first time after 15 years. Ganguly said, “Yes, but it happens in sport. You got to give credit to England. They played exceptionally well on that day. Chasing 400 in fourth innings is never easy and it was the highest run chase. So, that is the way it is 2 all in the Test match series. Win the T20 and if we can win the One day then I think we will be very successful”.
On July 8, Sourav Ganguly celebrated his 50th birthday, and the clipings of his celebration near the London Eye won the internet and made viral rounds on social media. Ganguly shared about his life in London. He said, “We live here (London). My daughter studies here. It’s great to spend time with her. She lives here all round the year. It was great fun. I loved every bit”.
