As India’s most successful cricket captain walks into the sunset, Suresh Menon at Cricinfo narrates how, with illustrious contemporaries like Tendulkar and Dravid, he had to bring his other qualities out to the fore.

“Like Tiger, he initiated a self-confidence movement in the team. He got the players to believe in themselves, supported the youngsters, and showed when required he could play politics with the best of them. When results mattered, he had the results. His was one of the most interesting phases of Indian cricket, as he led the team to victories abroad, in England, in the West Indies, in Australia.”

Jagadish thinks it was poor timing by the former captain, and compiles a list of things that flash in your mind when you think Ganguly.

“There’s so much you can write about him – being picked in 1992, a comeback in 1996, becoming India’s best batsman in ODIs for 3-4 years (despite the presence of Tendulkar), his captaincy, the fact that the Indian team drastically improved its away performances when he was captain, driving opponents nuts with his own version of ‘mental disintegration’, the shirtless celebration at Lord’s while continously mouthing obscenities, his repeat visits to the match referee room, the brilliant knock at Brisbane, his spat with Greg Chappell, being picked as an all-rounder, being picked for the tour of Pakistan in 2006, his batting in South Africa during his 2006 comeback, his double hundred late last year, his brilliant 80-odd against South Africa a few months ago, and so much more!”

Mohan Krishnamurthy, debating about the need for a well-managed exit for the Fab-Four of Indian Cricket, notes how difficult it is for sportspersons to leave the stage. 

“Not many people like to leave the world stage. The adrenaline rush of walking down the steps of the Eden Gardens or the SCG to the screams, shouts and plaudits of the gathered throng can only be addictive; something that most players would want again (and again). It must be hard to leave. The body might send a message, but the mind will want that ego boost — a craving for more. This is not just with cricket. Actors have stayed on when the stage lights have all but dimmed. Singers have stayed on well after the sound engineer departed the studio! Sports people are no different. Cricketers are certainly no different.”

16 years, 109 Tests, 311 ODIs, 18000 runs, 132 wickets, 170 catches. So long, Sourav, it was good while it lasted!!!