India won the NatWest series final vs England. (Courtesy: AFP)

Sourav Ganguly inducted into ICC Hall of Fame on 54th birthday

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame on his 54th birthday, becoming the 10th Indian men's cricketer to receive the prestigious honour.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Ganguly became the 12th Indian to receive the prestigious honour
  • Ganguly thanked the ICC and Jay Shah in a message on X
  • Ganguly finished his career with 18,575 runs and 38 centuries

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly received one of cricket's highest honours after being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame on his 54th birthday, becoming the 12th Indian and the 10th Indian men's cricketer to join the elite list.

Ganguly joins an illustrious group of Indian legends that includes Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Bishan Singh Bedi, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Vinoo Mankad, Diana Edulji, Neetu David and MS Dhoni in the prestigious Hall of Fame. The formal induction is scheduled to take place during the ICC ceremony on Saturday, July 11, following the conclusion of the governing body's annual conference.

Ganguly acknowledged the recognition with a heartfelt message on X, thanking the ICC and ICC Chairman Jay Shah. "Thank you ICC and Chairman Jay Shah for inducting me into the Hall of Fame. It's a huge honour. One of the 10 Indians to be inducted into the Hall of Fame ever. Amazing to be a part of some great names," he wrote.

SOURAV GANGULY'S GLITTERING CAREER

One of India's greatest captains, Ganguly transformed the team's mindset during the early 2000s, building a fearless side that challenged the world's best both at home and away. The elegant left-handed opener scored 18,575 international runs and struck 38 centuries across formats.

In Tests, he amassed 7,212 runs in 113 matches at an average of 42.17, including 16 centuries. In ODIs, he accumulated 11,363 runs in 311 matches at an average of 41.02, with 22 hundreds. His opening partnership with Sachin Tendulkar remains one of the most successful in the history of the format.

As captain, Ganguly led India to the 2003 ODI World Cup final and famously inspired the team to the 2002 NatWest Trophy triumph, celebrated with his iconic shirt-waving gesture from the Lord's balcony.

He also played a pivotal role in nurturing future stars such as MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Virender Sehwag, laying the foundation for India's rise as a global cricket powerhouse.

- Ends