Sourav - the champion

Ever since David vs Goliath happened , human beings have supported the underdog. There is nothing more exciting than someone beating the odds and a better opposition. Sourav Ganguly was an underdog since he returned to international cricket in late 2006. I was secretly rooting for him to do well coz well i love supporting underdogs. Anyway, the real issue is the way he has comeback into the team and carved a niche for himself, again. It might not seem a big deal now but race back to 2005 and Dada was nowhere in the reckoning. A series of lucky breaks (Raina's dip in form) helped Ganguly to return and oh my! has he taken it with both hands. But there is a difference to Ganguly this time. His attitude has changed , for the better.

In todays match he came out to play again after bowling overs and getting cramps. This si something one never expected from Ganguly.You gotta give credit to him. He is showing how much he wants to play for India. In fact, I think that his determination is so fierce that there would be no place for Rainas and Kaifs till Dada is in the team.You can see it in his eyes, a steely determination of jus keep doing well. On his return to the Indian team, Harsha Bhogle was interviewing him and you could tell by the way he talked to them that Sourav is where he belongs.

Tendulkar has a special place in Indian cricket because he is simply a genius. Dravid is so bloody focussed and disciplined but Ganguly's place will always be remembered for his mental toughness and a never say die attitude. Tell me one cricketer who has faced so much flak and criticism, but come back so brilliantly. How many of us gave him a chance of scoring a century at Lord's?or scoring a century at Brisbane? or for taking India to the world cup final ? none. But he surpassed all expectations through sheer mental strength and self belief. Thats why Sourav Ganguly is a champion in my book. Inspite of his shoddy fielding, and difficulty in playing quick bowling, he is out on the crease fighting and fighting and then fighting some more. Vince Lombardi , an oft quoted legendary American football coach, defines a champions attitude as

“I have been wounded but not yet slain. I shall lie here and bleed awile. Then I shall rise and fight again. The title of champion may from time to time fall to others more than ourselves. But the heart, the spirit, and the soul of champions remains.”

Dada carry on, you are special, a true champion.