Srinath Reveals How He Would’ve Banned Ganguly for 2001 Eden Gardens Stunt, Praises Leadership Legacy
Sourav Ganguly and Javagal Srinath
CHENNAI: Former Indian speedster Javagal Srinath has offered a candid retrospective on one of cricket’s most iconic moments of gamesmanship, suggesting that had he been the match referee during the infamous 2001 Eden Gardens Test, Sourav Ganguly would have faced a ban for deliberately delaying the toss against Australian captain Steve Waugh.
“I would have banned Sourav for a few games,” Srinath revealed at a recent event in Chennai, reflecting on the psychological tactic that became a defining narrative of India’s historic 2-1 series victory. Ganguly later attributed the delay to being unable to locate his blazer, a claim met with skepticism by many at the time.
Ganguly’s Transformative Leadership
Despite his humorous hypothetical sanction, Srinath was quick to laud Ganguly’s profound impact on Indian cricket, particularly his unparalleled ability to identify and nurture young talent. Players like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Virender Sehwag flourished under Ganguly’s captaincy, forming the backbone of a formidable Indian side.
Srinath highlighted a pivotal shift in Indian cricket following the match-fixing scandal of the late 1990s. This tumultuous period, he observed, instilled a collective resolve within the players to redeem the sport’s tarnished image.
“There was a bit of a resoluteness in each and every player to really put that image back and then prove to the world that cricket is superior, cricket is clean,” Srinath stated. He underscored the remarkable turnaround, noting that while India struggled to secure overseas victories between 1991 and 1998, their fortunes began to change dramatically from 1999 onwards.
2003 World Cup Final: A Tactical Divide
Recalling the 2003 World Cup final against Australia, a match that India ultimately lost, Srinath shared a compelling insight into the team’s strategic discussions. He revealed his personal preference for batting first, aiming to put pressure on the formidable Australian lineup. “I was one of the guys who said we should always bat first and then put them under pressure,” he explained.
However, Ganguly, as captain, opted for a different strategy. Srinath acknowledged that once the decision was made, the team had to unite and move forward, despite the outcome where Australia proved to be overwhelmingly dominant.
Mentoring Zaheer Khan: A Legacy of Selflessness
Srinath also recounted a selfless act that shaped the future of Indian pace bowling. He spoke of recommending a young Zaheer Khan to selector Chandu Borde after witnessing the left-arm pacer’s impressive six-wicket haul against Air India while representing the MRF Pace Foundation.
When Borde light-heartedly questioned what Srinath would do if Zaheer’s selection led to his own displacement, Srinath’s response encapsulated his dedication to Indian cricket: “If he’s good, he replaces me.” This anecdote not only highlights Srinath’s belief in nurturing talent but also exemplifies the spirit of transition that defined an era of Indian cricket.
Srinath’s reflections offer a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a cricketing stalwart, blending humor with sharp analysis of key moments and individuals who shaped modern Indian cricket.
