Bangalore: Sourav Ganguly stunned a packed press conference by quitting the game after 12 years, denying strongly that this was part of an exit plan deal struck with the BCCI.
"Before I leave I just want to say that this is going to be my last series. I have decided quit. I have told my team-mates before I came here. These four Test matches are going to be my last. Thanks for all your support, hopefully we'll go on a winning note," the former captain said on Tuesday. Continue reading below
He always had a surprise up his sleeve. And while many knew the end was around the corner, no one expected this dramatic statement from Ganguly less than 48 hours ahead of the big battle against Australia. India's most successful captain had called it a day. Ganguly has always made the headlines, and his selection for the series was hugely debated. Even he admitted that he was surprised.
"To be honest I didn't expect to be picked for this series. But once I am, I have started preparing," Ganguly said.
Ganguly came into this Test series after a forgettable outing against New Zealand A in Chennai. But even as everyone speculated about a possible exit deal, Ganguly was always vehement in his denial, and before quitting he let it rip.
"I don't think it's ever possible that anybody can offer you a VRS (Voluntary Retirement Scheme), if that is the term used. I don't think that's ever possible in sport. You cannot do that to players like Kumble, Dravid, Laxman, myself or Sachin or anyone."
Praise for the man started pouring in soon.
"I think Sourav Ganguly has been an extraordinary cricketer. He's brought so many laurels for the country both as a player and as a captain. I really wish that he goes out in a fantastic manner with a couple of hundreds," said chairman of selectors Krishnamachari Srikkanth.
Ganguly has had a love-hate relationship with Australian teams. The confrontation has always brought out the best in him. Can he do it one more time and sign off with a bang?
