Sourav Ganguly’s incredible journey: From being a 'controversial' selection to BCCI President

Controversial’ selection that changed Indian cricket

Sourav Ganguly's maiden Test ton came in 1996 debut against England.

After spending four years away from international cricket, Ganguly was recalled to the Indian side in 1996 for their tour of England. As with most things related to Ganguly, he return too wasn’t without controversy.

There were widespread allegations that Ganguly made a comeback through the informal East Zone quota system. All the aversions around the left-hander were soon put on the back burner as Ganguly made an imperious Test debut at Lord’s -- scoring 131 from 301 balls with 20 fours. Another debutant, who would go on to become a legend of Indian cricket -- Rahul Dravid -- narrowly missed out on a ton, falling for 95.

In his very next Test at Trent Bridge, he proved that his debut hundred was no fluke, scoring 136 from 268 balls with 17 fours and two sixes. Sachin Tendulkar made 177 and Dravid chipped in with 84 as India posted 521. Ganguly’s stunning arrival with flowing off-drives was something never seen before in Indian cricket. Although the visitors lost the series 0-1, Ganguly had well and truly arrived.