Sachin Tendulkar was keen on ending Sourav Ganguly's career in 1997: Report

Former Indian cricket captain Sachin Tendulkar is arguably greatest batsman to have played sport.  Master Blaster is widely regarded as ‘God of Cricket’. Sachin Tendulkar, who is highest run-scorer in Tests as well as ODIs, was kwn for his impeccable batting technique. Sachin Tendulkar has created a plethora of records in his glorious 24-year career. 

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In fact, re was a time when entire Indian batting line-up was dependent on Sachin Tendulkar and fans would stay glued to television sets just to watch batting maestro bat. Sachin Tendulkar was without a doubt one of best batsmen to have played game but his captaincy stints were far from memorable and by his own admission, 1997 Test against West Indies in Barbados was one of ‘darkest days’ in his legendary career.

Sachin Tendulkar threatened to end Sourav Ganguly’s career 

Sachin Tendulkar captained Team India in 98 matches across formats. However, he had a dismal captaincy record, where India lost 52 matches and won only 27 under his captaincy. His winning percent as a captain was a moderate 28 per cent. But Barbados Test thrashing in 1997 was ‘worst loss’ of m all.

India were chasing a small target of 120 runs set by West Indies. Indian side was at 2/0 when umpires called stumps on Day 3. Sachin Tendulkar was confident of a victory and that night, he told a restaurant owner to keep a bottle of champagne ready for ir party after win.

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However, Tendulkar-led Indian side failed miserably as Curtly Ambrose and Ian Bishop wreaked havoc. Indian team was eventually bundled out for 81 and lost a match that y could have won easily. After loss, scenes in dressing room were ugly, which were revealed by Indian journalist Vikrant Gupta.

In a YouTube video for SportsTak, Gupta revealed that Sachin Tendulkar gave a firing to all players in dressing room, doubting himself on his abilities after two-Test series. He added that Sourav Ganguly, who was new to team at that point of time, went up to console skipper. When he walked up to Tendulkar, n captain told him to get ready for next day’s morning run.

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But Sourav Ganguly did t turn up for it and that is when Sachin Tendulkar threatened him that he will send him back home and end his career. He added how n Indian skipper words changed Sourav Ganguly's attitude towards cricket and he started working hard on his fitness and abilities. He also reckoned that aforementioned loss changed Master Blaster’s outlook towards game. Gupta furr said that if t for that loss, Sachin Tendulkar would have retained his captaincy and would have gone on to become a great captain for India.

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IM COURTESY: ICC TWITTER