Kolkata: Sourav Ganguly has opened up about taking charge of the Indian cricket team during one of its most turbulent phases, revealing how he addressed the shadow of match-fixing and navigated early leadership challenges.
Speaking on a podcast with Raj Shamani, the former India captain reflected on the period around 2000, when Indian cricket was grappling with a major match-fixing controversy that had shaken public trust in the sport.
Uncertainty around match-fixing allegations
Ganguly admitted that he was largely unaware of the extent of match-fixing issues when he assumed captaincy. Curious and concerned, he approached senior teammates to understand the situation better.
“I didn’t even know about these things. I kept asking Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, ‘Does it actually happen? Has anyone approached you?’ Because no one had approached me,” he said.
He further revealed that he also spoke to Anil Kumble, but received similar responses.
“So, I wasn’t too sure what it even was. That was the job in hand, so I didn’t have these things in mind,” Ganguly added.
Taking charge during a crisis
Ganguly was appointed India captain at the age of 27, at a time when the team needed strong leadership and a fresh direction. The match-fixing scandal had created uncertainty within the dressing room as well as among fans.
Despite the circumstances, Ganguly focused on rebuilding the team’s confidence and establishing a competitive mindset. His tenure is widely regarded as a turning point in Indian cricket, where he backed young players and built a fearless unit capable of competing overseas.
First team talk and early nerves
Recalling his first assignment as captain, Ganguly shared how nervous he felt addressing the team, especially with senior players he had once played under.
“I still remember our first match was in Kochi. On the eve of the game, I had to address the team meeting. I told Dona that many of these guys — Azhar, Sachin — had been my captains. How was I supposed to tell them what to do?” he said.
He admitted that he deliberately kept the team meeting brief due to his nervousness.
“I said I would keep it short because the longer it went on, the more I would have to speak. So, we wrapped it up in about 15 minutes,” he added.
Positive start sets the tone
Despite the initial hesitation, Ganguly’s captaincy got off to a strong start. India won the match in Kochi, boosting the team’s confidence under new leadership.
In the following game in Jamshedpur, Ganguly led from the front with a century, helping stabilise his position as captain and easing early doubts.
“Slowly, everything started falling into place,” he recalled.
Building a new era in Indian cricket
Ganguly’s tenure is often credited with laying the foundation for a new era in Indian cricket. He nurtured young talents and instilled aggression and self-belief in the team.
Players like Tendulkar, Dravid and Kumble continued to play key roles, while the team evolved into a strong unit capable of delivering consistent performances across formats.
His leadership not only helped Indian cricket recover from the match-fixing crisis but also restored credibility and pride in the national team.
Conclusion
Sourav Ganguly’s reflections offer insight into a defining phase in Indian cricket history, where leadership, clarity and resilience were crucial in overcoming challenges. Taking charge amid uncertainty, he focused on the task at hand and gradually built a team that would go on to shape the future of Indian cricket.
His candid recollections highlight both the pressures of leadership and the importance of trust and communication within a team during difficult times.