Kolkata, March 2: Former Indian cricket captain and Bengal cricket association president Sourav Ganguly delivered an inspiring message at a CII event in West Bengal. He emphasized that unwavering self-belief combined with relentless hard work is the key to achieving success in any field.
Ganguly highlighted the remarkable 97-run knock by Sanju Samson against West Indies in a crucial quarter-final match. Just weeks earlier, Samson had been under fire for a string of poor performances, with media outlets questioning his place in the team. Yet, the wicketkeeper-batsman silenced his critics with a masterful innings that showcased his true potential.
‘This performance proves why Sanju was preferred over Shubman Gill in that lineup,’ Ganguly noted. He stressed that every day brings new opportunities, and trusting one’s abilities can turn the tide. Drawing from his own experiences, Ganguly recalled Australia’s stunning comeback in the 1999 World Cup, where they bounced back from four losses to win the next six matches and clinch the title.
Cricket, according to Ganguly, has been instrumental in building his confidence, a trait that continues to serve him well in life. ‘You can’t hold any position forever—be it BCCI president or Indian captain. Life moves on,’ he said philosophically. He believes no job is too small and shared anecdotes about his business friends involved in sports.
Ganguly’s deep connection to Bengal cricket runs deep, particularly with Eden Gardens, where he played his first match at age 13. Back then, a Ranji Trophy game earned just 100 rupees, a far cry from the 27 crore rupees players pocket for an entire IPL season today. His words serve as a timeless reminder: persistence pays off.