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

Decline and fracas with Greg Chappell

Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Greg Chappell.

Ganguly’s downfall as a leader and cricketer began in 2004, when he pulled out of the Nagpur Test against Australia. Ganguly was allegedly unhappy with the grass on the surface. India went on to lose the series, and critics started baying for Ganguly’s head. His own poor form also did not help matters.

Things took a turn for the worse when Ganguly and coach Greg Chappell’s spat played out in a public manner. During the tour of Zimbabwe in 2005, Ganguly went public with his dislike over the coach’s suggestion that he step down from captaincy owing to his poor form.

Chappell’s response was that he had only given an honest opinion when asked by the captain for this views, that too in a private meeting. However, once the fracas was out in the open, allegations and counter claims flew thick and fast.

The irony was that Ganguly had recommended Chappell for the role of coach after the latter had helped him during the 2004 Australia tour, which saw Ganguly make the tone-setting 144 at the Gabba. Ganguly’s tenure as captain ended after Rahul Dravid was appointed as skipper in November 2005.