Former Indian captain and the current BCCI President, Sourav Ganguly was felicitated by the British Parliament on Wednesday (July 13). It was on this day, 20 years ago, when he led India to a memorable Natwest one-day Trophy win over England at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground.
The legendary cricketer was elated with the honor and was happy to get on one of the most memorable days of his career while mentioning India’s 1-0 lead in the ongoing three-match ODI series in England. The second ODI is scheduled to play at Lord’s on Thursday (July 14).
Sourav Ganguly told ANI: “I was felicitated by the British Parliament as a Bengali so it was nice. It was in the Parliament. They contacted me six months ago. They do this award every year and I got it.”
He continued, “Oh! yeah I saw that on instagram. It has been a long time isn't it? 20 years ago. Yeah great moments in sport beating England in England is nothing better than that. The current team is doing it. They won the T20 series. They are 1 up in the one day series.”
Speaking about the first ODI between England and India, Ganguly said: “That is what England has always been. There will always be help for the bowlers. I thought Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami were outstanding in the first spell and that just took the game away from England. India batted well to win with 10 wickets. 110 runs shows how well they batted on this pitch. It has been very good so far.”
On India’s defeat in the rescheduled fifth Test, the BCCI President said: “Yes, but it happens in sport. You got to give credit to England. They played exceptionally well on that day. Chasing 400 in the fourth innings is never easy and it was the highest run chase. So, that is the way it is 2 all in the Test match series. Win the T20 and if we can win the One day then I think we will be very successful.”
Then, Ganguly celebrated his 50th birthday on July 8 in London, and he was happy to be able to spend some time with his daughter. The celebration videos near the London Eye went viral on the internet.
He signed off by saying, “We live here (London). My daughter studies here. It's great to spend time with her. She lives here all round the year. It was great fun. I loved every bit.”
(With ANI Inputs)
