‘Destiny’s own child’ Sourav ‘dada’ Ganguly gets a lifeline in the IPL to prove his critics wrong. Sourav will like to use the recent chance given by the embattled Pune side to send a message that it is he who will decide when to stop, and cricket’s Maharaj won’t stop because of a non-cricketing decision taken by 10 businessmen sitting in an auction room. Lot will be at stake for Ganguly when he joins the team as he would have to bear the pressure of performing from the word go because Pune has already spoiled all its previous chances. As per reports, Sourav won’t play today’s game against Mumbai but most likely to get a look in for the next match on May 8th. Will the ‘comeback king’ be able to make yet another spectacular comeback? Here is an analysis of his Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT).
STRENGTH:
1. At this point it will be unfair to expect Sourav to bat like the young Sourav we had seen in the past. But considering his experience, if he is able to perform half of his potential, it will help the Pune Warriors team. It won’t be that difficult for Ganguly who has been compared with Phoenix rising from the ashes at least thousand times. He is a shadow of his past yet as Siddhu would say, “A fading Arabian horse is better than donkeys“. Ganguly will add the much needed teeth to the Pune batting. His batting stats speaks for him self.
2. Sourav, still revered as India’s most successful captain by many fans, also brings in loads of experience of leadership with him to the side he joins. Yuvraj who has often looked clueless to manage his resources in the team would like to listen to Sourav’s suggestions on and off the field. Pune management has realised this and appointed and appointed Sourav as the vice captain of the side.
3. Sourav’s Sixes!!! Utter these words and the instant scene that comes to the mind is Sourav coming don the track and hitting spinners out of the park. A good player of the spin, Sourav will prove to be handy on turning tracks. Most of the IPL games are being played on slow and turning pitches and experienced batsmen like Ganguly can be helpful in such situations.
WEAKNESS:
1. Sourav had made it clear after retiring from international cricket in 2008 that he would play the competitive domestic cricket like Ranji matches to keep himself match fit. This time around thanks to his non-selection in the auction, he hasn’t played any cricket. He woill have to toil hard in the nets before the next match to regain match fitness. He, reportedly, has already started his preparations, yesterday at Eden Garden and today in Mumbai with his new IPL side.
2. Sourav is known to be a poor fielder. In slam bang version of cricket, his average fielding remains one of his few weaknesses. Lack of match practice may make that problem area worse. Sourav had tried to better his fielding skills for the IPL and it was evident in the last season. Can he regain that fielding form back?
OPPORTUNITY:
1. Sourav’s career has been a lesson for the critics that they should never write him off. Every time people think that he is over, he makes a stunning comeback and prove others wrong. He will have to repeat that this time too. Much has been said about him since the January 8th IPL auction. Many have ridiculed him saying he doesn’t fit into the young version of cricket. He will be itching to make a few points through his performances. This will be his last opportunity to do that.
2. Determination is a vital pillar in the success of Ganguly as a cricketer. When going gets tough for him, he pulls out something spectacular out of him and that determination helps him to succeed at the top level. He will have the opportunity to repeat such feats. Pune’s match vs his former side KKR will be in his mind.
3. Sourav’s inclusion also opens business opportunities for his franchisee. Sourav has large fan base across the country. Thousands of supporters of Sourav are spread across the country. they will make valuable addition to Pune’s fan base.
THREAT:
1. The path ahead for the prince won’t be easy. He is at the wrong side of the age. At this age, it will be too much ask if he is expected to score half centuries in each of the 5 matches (he would play for Pune in IPL4). This will be a battle between his determination and age. Lack of match practice will also stand as an obstacle ahead of him.
2. As IPL season 4 is already in its second half and Pune has already played its 8 games, can Sourav gel with rest of the team? Mixing with the team is very important in this format and being a senior player he will have to know and understand every other player’s game. But being a successful captain, this won’t be a tough ask for him.
Let’s wish Sourav good luck for this comeback. He needs to play on his strengths and build on opportunities by keeping the weaknesses and threats away.
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