Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar turned their careers around courtesy one ex-India player

Former Indian captains Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly are widely considered as two of  greatest batsmen of all time. While ‘Master Blaster’ shattered several Test and ODI batting records during his 24-year international journey, Ganguly is often credited with improving India’s overseas Test record with his aggressive captaincy. Unkwn to many, hard-hitting former opening batsman Navjot Singh Sidhu played an indirect role that sparked incredible journeys of both, Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly.

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Navjot Singh Sidhu responsible for turnarounds in Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly’s careers

Sachin Tendulkar me his ODI debut against Pakistan in 1989 as a 16-year old, just a month after his Test debut against same opponents. However, his ODI career turned around for better five years later in New Zealand when he was asked to open innings by n captain Mohamm Azharuddin. In 1994, Indian team toured New Zealand for a four-match ODI series. Prior to second ODI in Auckland, regular Team India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu h a stiff neck that prompted him to sit out  match. Captain Azharuddin n opted for a young Sachin Tendulkar to open innings, who blazed his way to an attacking 49-ball 82.

move turned out to be a significant moment in Indian cricketing folklore as Tendulkar was appointed as full-time ODI opener t long after his run-scoring blitz in Auckland. While he is alrey leing run-getter in 50-overs internationals by a fair margin, 15,310 out of his tally of 18,426 ODI runs came while opening batting.

Also Re | Sourav Ganguly Test Debut: Cricketer recalls kck of June 20, 1996, Fans Get stalgic

On or hand, Sourav Ganguly me his Test debut on June 20, 1996, against England at Lord’s. Indian team, under leership of Mohamm Azharuddin, toured England for three Tests and three ODIs at time. tour was marred by a spat between captain and Navjot Singh Sidhu, who was also a part of squ. spat resulted in latter walking out of tour, following which Sourav Ganguly was handed his first Test cap for second match at Lord’s. stylish left-hander n impressed world by smashing a hundred on his Test debut.

Much like Sachin Tendulkar, his compatriot Sourav Ganguly also enjoyed a decorated Test and ODI career up until his retirement in 2008. current Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President was also a highly successful captain during his five-year stint between 2000 and 2005.

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Sourav Ganguly Test debut’s 24th anniversary

On occasion of Sourav Ganguly Test debut, BCCI President took to social media and shared some stalgic memories from 24 years ago. Interestingly, 1996 Lord’s Test also marked Rahul Dravid’s debut, who became one of mainstays of Indian batting order in subsequent years. While Ganguly was handed his Test debut in place of Navjot Singh Sidhu, Dravid was selected in place of Sanjay Manjrekar.

Sourav Ganguly Test debut: Former Indian captain shares his best moment

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Im credits: ICC Twitter