Sourav Ganguly: A leader who changed the ‘mindset’

People will support you, People will criticize you. When you cross that rope everything is about YOU!

With more than 18k runs in all formats, Sourav Ganguly is considered as one of the greatest cricket players in the history of cricket. With 21 test wins, India reached the second position in ICC Test ranking, making him one of the most successful Indian captains. However, he will always be remembered for his ‘exemplary’ leadership style and changing ‘mindset’ of the team.

Let us have a look at the facets of his leadership, which make him ‘special’, the ‘MAHARAJA’ in true sense.

Essence #1: Challenges bring out the best in him

Every time Sourav faced a hurdle or challenge he came out as a ‘better version’ of himself. He did not enjoy a smooth run in first-class cricket. Dropped twice from West Bengal Ranji team, dropped from Indian team twice but every time, his comeback was astonishing. He accepted the challenge of opening for the Indian team to become one of the most successful openers of the world cricket. Legends enjoy obstacles, adapt, adopt and grow.

Essence #2: The captain who led by example

Sourav took over the captaincy when the Indian team was going through a rough patch (on and off the field). Due to match-fixing allegations, the morale was at an all-time low. ‘Dada’ helped the team to come out of the shell and play its natural game. Like a commanding officer in the Army, he led the battalion to success. The credit of regaining the trust of a cricket frenzy nation undoubtedly goes to him.

Essence #3: Managing ICE and FIRE together – Striking a balance

Sourav successfully captained two different sets of players under his regime. The legends such as Sachin, Rahul and VVS were known as ‘thorough gentleman’ while ‘Viru, Yuvraj, Harbhajan and Zaheer’ were the symbol of firepower and aggression. Dada managed a balance between these two groups quite well. Despite individual differences, the team always played as a well oiled unit.

Essence #4: Never hesitate to take ‘calculated risk’

Sourav made Viru, the opener in test cricket, asked Sachin to bowl on crucial moments, picked up MS Dhoni ahead of Dinesh Kartik. Of course, some of his other bets went awfully wrong but he never hesitated to take a calculated risk. Most importantly, he stood behind the players in case of failure from any such decisions. Captain who believed “cost of taking an action is always lower than the cost of non-action”.

Essence #5: “I am here to WIN” – The ‘Winner’s Mindset’

Changing the mindset of the team is the biggest contribution of Sourav to Indian cricket. He inculcated a winning attitude, eye for eye tactics in players. Under his captaincy, India played every game with the intent to win and win with a big margin. Natwest Trophy Final, Test Series against Australia in 2001 and world cup games against Pakistan, his stamp of firebrand sportsmanship was evident. India started winning matches in overseas conditions, which was a complete novelty. Drawing a thread from this mindset, MS Dhoni and now Virat led the team with the same intent. Sourav taught India to WIN, not just to play a game.

After a glorious stint on the ground, Dada is now ready for his second innings as the chief administrator of BCCI. I am sure that, he will score a ton there too.