He may have 38 international centuries to his name, but for Sourav Ganguly, that number still feels a bit unfinished.
The former India captain and BCCI president recently opened up in a candid interview at his Behala residence in Kolkata, reflecting on the innings that slipped away. And if there’s one thing that still nags at him, it’s all those times he got out in the 80s and 90s.
“I missed a lot of hundreds. I should have scored more,” Ganguly admitted, pointing out how often he found himself dismissed just short of a milestone. The numbers back it up—30 times across formats, the stylish left-hander was dismissed in the 80s or 90s.
So Close, So Often
Ganguly’s career was nothing short of remarkable. Over 18,500 international runs, 113 Tests, and 311 ODIs. But those 30 near-misses still sting.
“If I had converted even half of those into hundreds,” he reflected, “I would’ve easily ended up with 50-plus centuries.”
He often revisits those innings in quiet moments. “When I’m alone, and my wife’s not around—since Sara is in London—I sometimes watch my old videos on YouTube. I see myself batting well, and then suddenly, out on 70 or 80. It’s frustrating in hindsight. But you can’t change it now.”
Regrets Off the Field Too
Ganguly also touched on a decision that continues to weigh on him—dropping legendary spinner Anil Kumble during his captaincy tenure.
“Anil Kumble… a few times I had to leave him out. That was hard. He was so good. But sometimes, as a captain, you have to make tough calls based on conditions and team balance.”
His Fiercest Rivalries
Looking back on his playing days, Ganguly revealed that facing Australia brought out the best in him, calling them his favourite opponents. And the bowler who challenged him the most? Glenn McGrath.
Legacy Beyond the Numbers
Despite the regret over missed centuries, Ganguly’s impact on Indian cricket is undeniable. From his fearless leadership in the early 2000s to his bold decisions as BCCI president, his legacy runs deep.
And now, while coaching isn’t off the table, Ganguly insists he has no interest in returning to cricket through politics. “Definitely no politics,” he smiled.
Even as he looks back with a touch of ‘what could’ve been,’ Sourav Ganguly’s career remains a celebration of elegance, leadership, and sheer will. Whether it was a cover drive through extra or standing up to world-beating teams, he always did it with heart.
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