Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly, who has played a massive role in the success of Ashish Nehra in early 2000, has lauded the recently retired pacer for his never-give-up attitude to overcome the worst possible phases. The ‘Prince of Kolkata’ also amusingly stated that Nehra must have spent more time with the physio than his wife.

Nehra bid adieu to his 18-year long international career on Wednesday (November 1) at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi, where the Men in Blue registered an emphatic 53-run victory against the Kiwis.

"I think his best friend was the physio. I think he probably spent more time with the physio than his wife," Ganguly said while speaking to India Today.

"His [Nehra's] body didn't hold up for most part of his career. But he was extremely gifted that he continued even after all these injuries. He is very competitive, he never gave up.

"He might have been fragile, he had injuries. Fielding was not a part of his repertoire. When it came to bowling, when he got the white ball, he looked a different cricketer. It [the farewell] is fantastic. Not many have the luck to finish in their home ground. Sachin Tendulkar had it and now Ashish Nehra. Good to see selectors showing faith in him. Even in his last game, he bowled well. It's difficult to bowl in Kotla, but he did well," he added.

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Nehra has represented India in a total of 164 matches across all formats and is vividly remembered for his magical spell (6 for 23) against England in the 2003 World Cup. Recalling that unforgettable spell, Dada said: “He had a hugely swollen ankle. We had the game against England in the next three or four days. I asked Ashish what to do with him. He said, 'just put my name and I will run in for you'. He did just that. His best bowling figures came against England in that match. That's the speciality of Nehra, he never gives up."

Talking about Nehra’s nature, Ganguly said that the Delhi born pacer always likes to smile whether he is in the playing XI or not.

"Nehra is someone who just remains happy whether he plays or not. That's the best thing. He always is smiling. I dealt with him when he was young. Every time when I had to leave him out, every time I told Nehra 'Ashu you're not part of the game', I knew the doorbell would ring after the game," Ganguly revealed.

"He wouldn't say anything before or during the game, but exactly at 11pm, when you reach the hotel, the doorbell would ring. And Ashish walks in, in his shorts and slippers, with his fragile legs and with hands inside his T-shirt, rubbing his belly he would ask 'why did i not get picked'.

"I would tell him, I wanted to give someone else the opportunity, someone else has performed better. It was then all the stats would come up. He would say I can bowl at 149 for you. Do you think I am not fit. Give me the ball, I will show you,” concluded Ganguly.