ADIEU FROM THE GAME…. ALIVE IN OUR HEARTS!!

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds – Albert Einstein

So thats it. The day’s finally come. Its been speculated for the last couple of years, but its certain now. The announcement’s been made. Dada’s finally hanging up his boots.

Now, has that come as a surprise?  Ganguly’s future has been in doubt for quite some time now, and he probably made it to the squad on sheer experience (and not merit, is what they say). Especially when you’re touring, experience does count. Thats whats probably prompted the selectors to consider him too.

THATS WHAT THE CRITICS WOULD SAY.

But then, there are statistics, which are more or less, true indications of performance. Ganguly averages 45.78 in Tests, ever since he made his comeback a couple of years ago after he was unceremoniously dropped. That figure is greater than the corresponding figure for any other member of the Fab Five. And despite decent performances, he’s always been under scrutiny. In fact, former selector Kiran More happened to remark that Ganguly wouldn’t be considered for selection even if he displayed a good effort in domestic matches, such as the Duleep and Ranji Trophies. Nothing could’ve been more out-right and crystal-clear. For reasons that are as puzzling as the Bermuda Triangle.

It was probably under the expert advice of Dravid, then captain, to draft Ganguly into the side. Dravid is too good a soul, to have ignored Dada’s ability and commitment.

Exclusion from the ODIs though, was never in doubt. True, he’d made a splendid comeback prior to the World Cup, with 7 fifties in 10 matches against the Windies and the Lankans, which prompted his selection for the World Cup squad. (No prizes for guessing who top-scored there, or who returned after ducks against Lanka and Bangladesh). But then, Dada’s fielding has always been under the scanner. More often than not, its been the reason which cost his place in the side. Also, the advent of the 20-20 has changed the nature of the 50-over game. Fielding skills today, are of supreme importance. But, primarily, like it or not, Ganguly’s past his prime. He’s been a supreme batsman in the past, but he’s come of age. Plus, there are several youngsters breathing down his neck. Gambhir, Rohit, Badri, Virat are all talented batsmen and it is expected that he would quit himself rather than be sacked. He’d acknowledge that. He knows his time is up.

Ganguly’s goodbye to Test cricket wouldn’t leave a void, in any case. Not even after the Fab Five are exhausted with. Yuvi, Rohit and several other capable youngsters. Add to it, an able captain in Dhoni, who’s perhaps, the shrewdest captain in International Cricket today. It wont be hard to replace Ganguly. But its definitely marked the end of an era. India’s most successful, proactive, outspoken captain and vastly successful batsman and bowler will bid farewell after the Australian series. The era is over, but the memories will live on. You’re a true legend, Dada….. and you’ll live in our hearts forever. We’ll miss you………