Sourav Ganguly opens up on serious fight with BCCI to protect Anil Kumble's selection

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly, during a recent appearance on Harsha Bhogle's show, revealed a high-stakes confrontation he had with the BCCI selection committee. The dispute centered on the selection of veteran spinner Anil Kumble for the 2003 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. At the time, the selectors were eager to move toward a transition phase, favoring the rising talent of Harbhajan Singh and envisioning a future without Kumble in the squad.

How Sourav Ganguly went against BCCI to back Anil Kumble?

Despite the pressure from the board, Ganguly fought tooth and nail to secure Kumble’s spot on the plane to Australia. He stood firm against the committee's vision, believing that the seasoned spinner’s expertise was indispensable for such a challenging tour. This act of defiance eventually paid off, reinforcing Ganguly’s reputation as a leader who would go to any lengths to back the players he believed in.

“In the 2003 tour of Australia, Anil Kumble stood up, and he finished the year with the highest number of wickets. I couldn’t dream of it (not having Anil Kumble in the team), especially on the tour of Australia," Ganguly told Bhogle.

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The 53-year-old recalled that the selectors strongly urged him to choose a left-arm spinner for the tour, citing the recent success Daniel Vettori had found on Australian pitches. Despite this tactical pressure, Ganguly remained adamant that Anil Kumble was the right choice. His insistence came at a significant personal cost, as he was reportedly told that if the team failed to perform, his position as captain would be under immediate threat.
I said, ‘No, I am not going to leave without him: Ganguly

Ultimately, Ganguly's unwavering faith in the legendary leg-spinner was vindicated on the field. Kumble produced a masterclass in spin bowling during the 2003-04 series, finishing with an incredible 24 wickets in just three matches. This performance not only silenced the critics but also proved to be a turning point in the series, justifying Ganguly’s decision to risk his own captaincy for the sake of his premier match-winner.

"And I remember the selectors telling me I needed a left-arm spinner because of how well Daniel Vettori had bowled when New Zealand toured before us. He did exceptionally well. But I said, ‘No, I am not going to leave without him.’

"I still remember that night in Hyderabad, after the semi-final. I was told that if the team doesn’t do well, I may not be the captain again. I said, ‘we’ll see once the series finishes’,” Ganguly added.

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Ganguly shed light on the immense mental toll of leadership, describing the relentless pressure a captain faces in real-time. He noted that the role requires answering a constant stream of questions, both from the media and the administration, while managing the high expectations of a cricket-obsessed nation. For Ganguly, the job was as much about navigating internal politics and strategic scrutiny as it was about on-field tactics.

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This era of defiance and conviction marked the beginning of a legendary saga in Indian cricket. Following the hard-fought success in Australia, Ganguly led the team to a historic tour of Pakistan—the first in 15 years. His leadership proved transformative during that series, as India secured landmark victories in both the Test and ODI formats, solidifying his legacy as a captain who could win anywhere in the world.

“I have been asked that question many times. I remember a journalist asking me, ‘Not many people have come back from Pakistan as a captain’. So, these are challenges. If you want to be the captain of India, you will be asked this question. So, stand up, be strong and be ready to accept it. Work those hard miles, those extra miles to back what you say. That’s what’s important,” Ganguly concluded.

Ganguly widely regarded as one of the most resilient and determined figures in Indian cricket history. Known for his sharp leadership and later his tenure as the President of the BCCI, Ganguly is often credited as the architect who built the foundation of the modern Indian squad. While MS Dhoni is celebrated for his trophy haul, many see 'Dada' as the man who handpicked and nurtured the legends of the early 2000s, paving the way for the nation's long-term success.