Tendulkar revealed that he had recommended Ganguly’s name for India captaincy in 1999.
From qualifying to the finals of 2003 World Cup, sharing the 2002 Champions Trophy with Sri Lanka, winning the 2004 Test series in Pakistan and drawing Test series in England and Australia – Team India achieved it all and a lot more with Ganguly at the helm of affairs.
Under Ganguly, some of India’s best cricketers like Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, among others also flourished.
After retiring from the game, Sourav Ganguly entered into cricket administration and is currently holding the position of BCCI president.
As Ganguly is gearing up to celebrate his 50th birthday on Friday (July 8), Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar lauded him for his leadership qualities.
"Sourav was a great captain. He knew how to maintain a balance — between giving freedom to the players and giving them certain responsibilities," Tendulkar told PTI in an exclusive chat. "When he took over, Indian cricket was in a transition phase. We needed the next bunch of players who could set a platform for propelling India forward."
"At that time, we found top class players — Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh and Ashish Nehra to name a few. They were gifted players, but even gifted players need support at the start of their careers, which Sourav provided.
"While their roles were defined in the team, they also got the freedom required to express themselves," he added.
Tendulkar revealed that he had suggested Ganguly’s name for the captaincy before stepping down from the position in 1999.
"Before stepping down, during India's tour of Australia in which I was the captain, I had suggested Sourav to be made the vice-captain of the team," he remarked. "I had seen him from close quarters, played cricket with him, and knew he had the right qualities to take Indian cricket forward. He was a good leader. I therefore recommended his name.
"Sourav never looked back and what he has achieved for India is out there for all of us to see."
Sachin Tendulkar also talked about his famous opening partnership with Ganguly in white-ball cricket.
"Sourav and I gave our best. We wanted to play our parts in what the team required and we wanted to win matches for India. But beyond that, we never thought about anything. We are thankful to the people, for considering us a good opening pair and for appreciating what we were able to do for India," he stated.
After his India debut in 1992, Sourav Ganguly was sidelined before he made a grand comeback in 1996. During that period, Tendulkar was in touch with the Bengal lad through landline telephones.
"During the 1991 tour, Sourav and I shared a room. We enjoyed the time spent with each other. We knew each other from our Under-15 days as well, so there was a good rapport between the two of us. We did meet on a few occasions after the 1991 tour as well. Those days, unlike today, there were no mobile phones — therefore we couldn't be in touch regularly. However, our friendship continued during all those years."
Tendulkar fondly remembers the fun times he had with Ganguly during the playing days.
"I remember Sourav was sleeping during an afternoon. Jatin Paranjpe, Kedar Godbole and I filled his room with water. He woke up and was naturally clueless about what was happening, his suitcases were floating. Finally, he realised it was me, Jatin and Kedar who had done it. Friends keep playing pranks on each other and our childhood was no different," he quipped.
Recalling their first-ever foreign trip to UK with the Star Cricket Club, Sachin said: "We stayed in schools that were like old castles and naturally it looked a bit scary. To make things worse, friends would get together and plan to scare the others even more. Years later, when I think back, these are the moments of friendship that stand out and make me smile."
(With PTI inputs)