India's 5 biggest defeats under Sourav Ganguly's captaincy

#3 Against Australia in Johannesburg (2003 World Cup)

Ganguly's questionable decision to bat first after winning the toss changed the fate of the match

The 2003 ODI World Cup was a case of so near, yet so far for the Indian side as they beat every side that came their way except for the all-conquering Australian side led by Ponting.

The Indian cricket fans had their hopes high for the final despite the manner in which their side had been humbled in the group stages by the Aussies. Batting first. India were dismissed for just 125 runs, with the reigning champions completing a comfortable 9-wicket victory in quick time.

India shrugged off the disappointment to embark on a dream run as the side led by a vibrant Ganguly, featuring the perfect mix of senior pros and young blood, to make it to the showpiece match - the ODI World Cup final.

The all-important toss went India's way but contrary to the popular thought process, Ganguly send in the opposition to bat first and, as they say, the rest is history.

The occasion got the better of Zaheer Khan and Australia made a brisk start and they just kept going and going with skipper Ponting leading from the front, remaining unbeaten on 140, as the eventual champions piled on 359 runs in their 50 overs.

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It was always going to be an uphill task for India and they got off to the worst possible start losing Tendulkar in the very first over.

Sehwag scored a valiant 84 but it was never going to be enough as India were bowled inside 40 overs, losing the match by a margin of 125 runs.

A tournament which should have been remembered for Ganguly's spirited captaincy thus also became a black mark in his career for the questionable decision to bowl first in a World Cup final.