The BCCI president, Sourav Ganguly confirms all the hush-hush about his biopic on social media. The former Indian cricketer had an astounding career of about 16 years. And his biopic on the silver screen will celebrate his entire journey once again.
On Thursday, Ganguly confirmed the production of his biopic on Twitter. Filmmaker Luv Ranjan will produce the movie. The movie will take us to the journey of Dada's initial days to his highest recognitions. From being an Indian cricketer to being the BCCI president, the movie will encapsulate all.
The cast of the movie has not been revealed by the makers yet. Nevertheless, Ganguly previously mentioned that he would love to see Ranbir Kapoor leading in his biopic.
Cricket has been my life, it gave confidence and ability to walk forward with my head held high, a journey to be cherished. Thrilled that Luv Films will produce a biopic on my journey and bring it to life for the big screen 🏏🎥@LuvFilms@luv_ranjan@gargankur@DasSanjay1812
We are thrilled to announce that Luv Films will produce Dada Sourav Ganguly's biopic. We are honoured to be entrusted with this responsibility and look forward to a great innings. 🏏🎥@SGanguly99@luv_ranjan@gargankur
Sachin-Sourav, Mahela-Sanga: 5 best cricketing friendships in history
From Sachin Tendulkar & Sourav Ganguly to Kumar Sangakkara & Mahela Jayawardene, on Friendship Day special, we talk about the 5 best cricketing friendships in cricket history.
Cricket is a game played in partnership. No matter how good you are, you can not survive without a partner at the non-striker end. Therefore, cricketers form bonds that extend beyond the cricket field and last a lifetime. On this Friendship Day, we bring you the 5 best cricketing friendships in cricket history.
5 best cricketing friendships in cricket history
#1 Sachin Tendulkar & Sourav Ganguly
Sachin and Sourav scored 8227 ODI runs together, which is the highest by any pair in ODI history. Image | IndiaTimes
Well, if you talk about partnerships in cricket and do not talk about Sachin and Sourav, you are doing a sin. The Indian pair is one of the most successful opening pairs in cricket history. Their cricketing friendship dates back to U-17 days. Sourav and Sachin met each other there and toured with the India U-17 team. Although Sachin went on to represent India at a very young age, their friendship remained the same.
In fact, it was Sachin and Sourav who transformed the Indian team post the match-fixing scandal. They both scored 6609 runs as an opening pair in ODI cricket, which is a record in itself. Also, they scored the most number of hundred-run partnerships in ODI cricket, with 21 as an opening pair and 26 overall.
They scored 8227 ODI runs as a pair in ODI cricket, a record that might not be broken ever.
#2 Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene
Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene have the record for the highest partnership in test and first-class cricket (624). Image | ICC on X
These two Sri Lankan stalwarts dominated world cricket as a pair throughout their career. In fact, they were the only reason, along with Muralitharan, that Sri Lanka ruled cricket in the mid-2000s. Sri Lanka became unbeatable on their home soil on the banks of partnerships of Sanga and Mahela.
They both piled up runs with ease in international cricket. Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene scored 6554 runs together in test cricket, which is only second to Dravid and Tendulkar's 6920 runs. Their 624-run partnership against South Africa in 2006 is still the highest at any batting position in test cricket.
Kumar and Mahela now own restaurants together. Also, they are trying to help Sri Lankan cricket get back on their feet.
Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath are one of the grestest bowling pairs in cricket history. Image | ICC on X
Probably the greatest bowling pair in cricket history, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath played together and ended their cricket careers together. Perhaps it was because of them that Australia would win against any opposition and at any place.
Ashes to Ashes, Dust to dust, If McGrath can't get you, Warne must.
This old saying about Warne and McGrath reveals their greatness. Moreover, it talks about how they used to hunt in pairs. Though Warne was a bit flamboyant in his life, this duo's cricketing friendship ended many batsmen's careers. Warne is the highest wicket-taker in Ashes history with 195 wickets, while McGrath is the second highest with 157 wickets. They both played 104 Tests in tandem and took 1,011 wickets. In fact, Wisden has stated them to be the greatest bowling pair of all time.
Styen and ABD is known as one of the best friends in cricket alongside Faf du Plessis. Image | RCB
The only batting-bowling pair on our special list of best cricketing friendships. Dale Styen and AB de Villiers started their career together and literally made South Africa the best cricket team in the world.
Though the pair could not win any major ICC trophies for South Africa, they were the best Test team in the world during their time. Steyn finished his career as the highest test wicket-taker for South Africa (439), beating Shaun Pollock's record of 421 test wickets. Meantime, AB Deviliers is known as one of the most complete batters ever.
Wasim and Waqar took 1,147 wickets while playing together. Image | ICC on X
Waqar and Wasim are probably the most lethal bowling pair in modern cricket. The duo from Pakistan dominated the world with sheer pace and swing. Perhaps, Waqar is said to be the best reverse-swing bowler ever, while Wasim Akram is said to be the "sultan of swing" (king of swing).
If Waqar could break your toes, Wasim could too. They both complemented each other so well that they took 500 test wickets in 61 test matches together. They are both probably the best pacers that Pakistan has ever produced.
Other than these pairs, the world has seen many great friendships like Virat-ABD, Bravo-Pollard, Dravid-Kumble and Smith-Marnus over the years. We have chosen the best from 5 separate countries.
Note: The article was first published on Aug 1, 2021 and then got updated over time.
From Vengsarkar to Dravid, discover the most test runs scored by Indian batters at Lord's. Get a comprehensive look at India's performances and history at the iconic venue.
The Lord's Cricket Ground, with its iconic pavilion an rich history, has witnessed countless thrilling battles. For Indian batters, playing at this venue has been both challenging and rewarding.
We are about to take a look at the list of most test runs scored by Indian batters at Lord's. It took immense patience, dedication, and skill to face best bowlers around the world and score consistently.
Get ready to find how some legacies are unmatched till date.
1. Dilip Vengsarkar | 508 runs
Dilip Vengsarkar batting against England at the Lord's in 1986. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Dilip Vengsarkar stands at the top with 508 runs in 8 innings. It's been 35 years since his last appearance at Lord's, yet no Indian batter could come close to his remarkable numbers.
He was known for his elegant style and solid technique, which suited the English conditions. His 157 runs knock in the 1982 test was a monumental effort, which showed a glimpse of potential against a strong bowling attack.
Despite not being his highest, the unbeaten 126 against England in the 1986 Lord's test was the most memorable knock. It contributed to India's first-ever victory at the venue and broke a years-long curse.
Rahul Dravid celebrates his century at Lord's in 2011 England tour. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The 'Wall' of test cricket, Rahul Dravid, holds the 2nd spot with 354 runs in 7 innings. He specialised in soaking up pressure and batting for longer periods with e disciplined approach.
He scored two half-centuries and an unbeaten 103* in the drawn test of 2011. Having multiple test batting records to his name, Dravid proves his enduring class by making it to the top in here as well.
Dravid stats at Lord's:
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
HS
Avg
100
50
1996-2011
4
7
354
103*
59.00
1
2
3. Sunil Gavaskar | 340 runs
Sunil Gavaskar playing at the Lord's. Image | X
One of India's greatest openers, Sunil Gavaskar, amassed 340 runs across 10 innings to earn his deserved spot in the top 3. He consistently helped the team to have a good start, laying the foundation of big totals.
While Gavaskar didn't register a century at Lord's, his highest score of 59 runs, made in 1979, was part of a solid partnership for India's chase in a high-scoring draw.
Vinoo Mankad playing at Lord's against England. Image | TOI
Vinoo Mankad, a brilliant all-rounder, features impressively high on this list despite playing only 4 innings. He scored 333 runs and also holds the record for highest individual score by an Indian batter at Lord's, for his 184 runs in 1952.
Mankad's limited appearances at this venue were nothing short of legendary. He also equally contributed with the ball, displaying commendable all-around efforts.
Mankad stats at Lord's:
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
HS
Avg
100
50
1946-1952
2
4
333
184
83.25
1
2
5. Gundappa Viswanath | 272 runs
Gundappa Viswanath in action during a test match. Image | BBC
Known for wristy elegance, Gundappa Viswanath holds the 5th spot on this list for most test runs scored by Indian batters at Lord's. He scored 272 runs in 8 innings with his unique style.
Viswanath's century of 113 in the 1979 Test against England was a masterclass. It was a significant innings, particularly as it came in a match where India were chasing a massive target and ultimately secured a famous draw.
There is a saying in cricket, "When life gives you a Greg Chappel, be a Sourav Ganguly". Well, that's a bit controversial line to start an article about Sourav Ganguly records.
But that was the life and career of Sourav Ganguly, who rose against every odd and came back like a "Maharaj" (King, people from Kolkata call him that) every time he was pushed down.
Now, the former India captain, who turned 53 today, made some significant moves on and off the field which changed Indian Cricket forever.
To mark his birth anniversary, we present to you a list of Sourav Ganguly's records that he achieved throughout his career.
Sourav Ganguly made his test debut in 1996 against England at Lords' Cricket Ground. At that time his selection was questioned. The pundits called him the "East-Zone quota". But a typical Sourav Ganguly made sure all the questions were answered with the bat in hand.
Not to forget his mild-paced bowling. Let's take a look at Sourav Ganguly's records in tests.
62nd batsman in test cricket history to score a 100 on test debut.
6th test batsman to score centuries in the first two tests in his career.
Highest Test score by a left-handed Indian batsman (239).
Only test player to score a test century on debut and then score a zero in the last test innings.
Only player to average more than 40 throughout his test career and play more than 100 test matches.
Though Ganguly was India's one of the best in the longest format, it was the white ball that he dominated more than anyone. Even more than Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting.
Sourav Ganguly scored more white-ball runs than any other player during his time. Here are some of Sourav Ganguly's records in ODIs-
He was the fastest man to reach 6000, 7000, 8000, and 9000 ODI runs while playing.
Ganguly is the only cricketer to win four consecutive Man of the Match awards in One Day Internationals.
Highest individual score by any batsman in an ICC Champions Trophy final (117).
Sourav Ganguly was also the first player to hit 3 centuries in the history of the ICC Champions Trophy.
Highest individual score in the ICC World Cup by any Indian player (183).
He is also the third fastest to score 10000 ODI runs (263 ing).
Most ODI runs by any left-handed Indian player (11363)
Second most ODI runs in a single calendar year (1767 runs in 1999).
The second-most ODI hundreds in a single calendar year (7 ODI tons in 2000).
One of the five cricketers to have achieved the unique treble. Ganguly has scored more than 10,000 runs, and taken more than 100 wickets & 100 catches in ODI cricket.
Third-highest run-scorer in ODI cricket among Indians and ninth overall.
Sourav Ganguly also has the record of scoring the second-most tons by an Indian batsman in a single World Cup. ( 3 centuries in 2003)
He took over the captaincy post during a tough time of the "Azhar Saga". But as Kapil Dev said, that was the moment Indian cricket's future was made. Here are some of the records Sourav Ganguly made as a captain-
Till retirement, Sourav Ganguly had the most successful India captain in away tests (11 wins). Virat Kohli later went past him.
Third most successful ODI captain among Indians (76 wins )
Ganguly is the only Indian skipper to win a Test series in Pakistan.
He took the captaincy when India was ranked 8 in Test rankings, and left India second-ranked in Test cricket, still a record for the biggest jump.
"Giving that Indian team a lot of steel, self-belief, character. Forget about winning at home. I think all sides are comfortable winning at home. But it's about going outside in Test conditions that you are not familiar with against the best in the world and having that fire, hunger and belief to win. And I think that's where Dada made the biggest difference to Indian cricket."
Explore the legacies of successful captains who carried the leadership role for India brilliantly. Ranking all Indian captains in ICC events for a better understanding of their journeys. Check them out.
Everyone has an opinion on who the best Indian captain is, especially when it comes to ICC tournaments. The leadership role has been carried forward by many legendary cricketers who gave us moments to cherish forever. They carried the hopes of the nation in events like World Cup and Champions Trophy.
Keeping aside the biasness and individual preferences, it is now time to look at the numbers and check facts. Who truly performed best when it mattered most and led the team to history wins?
Here we are, ranking all Indian captains in ICC events to give you a clear picture.
1. MS Dhoni (2007-2017) | 3 ICC Trophies
MS Dhoni carrying 3 ICC Trophies won as the captain of India. Image | TOI
ICC T20 World Cup: 2007
ICC Cricket World Cup: 2011
ICC Champions Trophy: 2013
MS Dhoni is the most successful Indian captain, who led them to win all the 3 major ICC titles during his tenure. From using his tactical brilliance under pressure to stepping up when the team needed him the most, this man has done it all!
The begining of Dhoni's captaincy era occured with a historic win in the inaugural season of T20 World Cup in 2007, where he stepped into the leadership role for the first time. And guess what, there was no looking back from that point.
Under his captaincy, India brought the ODI World Cup home after 28 long years in 2011, defeating Sri Lanka in a sensational final. He went on to win the 3rd trophy to fill his shining cabinet, with the 2013 Champions Trophy win.
Dhoni's time as the captain was a remarkable journey, filled with joyous wins and celebrations. He truly proved there is only one 'Captain Cool,' and shall forever be!
Rohit Sharma poses with 2 ICC silverwares won as the Indian captain. Image | X
ICC T20 World Cup: 2024
ICC Champions Trophy: 2025
Rohit Sharma, with his incredible captaincy skills, not only joined this elite list, but also climbed to the top in a very short period. He took over the charge in 2022 and started moving forward at a good pace.
In 2023, Rohit led India to the World Test Championship Final, as well as the ODI World Cup Final, but the results didn't go in their favour. However, the team bounced back the following year and won the T20 World Cup after dominating throughout the tournament.
India got back-to-back reasons to celebrate, as the team brought the 2025 Champions Trophy home as well! With this feat, Rohit became the first and the only captain to lead a team to all ICC tournament finals.
Rohit announced his retirement from T20Is (in 2024, after the WC win) and Test cricket (in 2025). He will continue to lead India in the ODI format, with his eyes fixated on the 2027 World Cup.
Sharma's captain stats in ICC events:
Span
Matches
Won
Lost
Win%
2022-present
54
39
12
72.22%
3. Kapil Dev (1982-1987) | 1 ICC Trophy
Kapil Dev lifting the World Cup in 1983. Image | India TV News
ICC Cricket World Cup: 1983
Kapil Dev is the first World Cup winning captain for India, who lifted the trophy at the iconic Lord's, after a phenomenal victory over West Indies in 1983. At just 24 years of age, he became the youngest captain to win the WC for any team.
Although his captaincy stint was relatively short, but it was a time to remember as Indian cricket team saw a rise competing at the grandest stage. Dev led the nation to their first-ever ICC trophy, which is truly unforgettable.
Sourav Ganguly sharing the 2002 Champions Trophy with the Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya. Image | Facebook
ICC Champions Trophy: 2002
Sourav Ganguly's captaincy is widely regarded as a transformational period for Indian Cricket. He took over the team during a difficult period and instilled new sense of belief and competitiveness.
As the captain, he led India to reach the final of 2003 World Cup and 2000 Champions Trophy. The heroic moment arrived in 2002 Champions Trophy, when India performed excellently throughout and reached the finals to meet the host Sri Lanka.
The final match was washed out in Colombo, which led to the declaration of joint winners. However, this title marked India's first in the Champions Trophy, led elegantly by Ganguly.
Virat Kohli during his captaincy stint for India. Image | CNN
ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup: 2008
While Virat Kohli may not have secured a major ICC trophy as the senior Indian team captain, his leadership journey includes a significant triumph: captaining the U-19 team to a World Cup victory.
So, when the discussion is about greatest Indian captains, this legendary player shall always get a mention. He is one of those players who redefined Indian cricket.
His record as India's most successful Test captain, with an impressive 40 wins, solidifies his standing as one of the game's absolute best, consistently boosting team spirits and driving high standards.
Some things cannot be just measured by trophies, and King Kohli's tale is one of those that the future generations will hear and admire.
Top 10 players with most runs in ICC knockout matches
From Kohli to Tendulkar, explore the list of legendary batsmen who consistently delivered in crucial matches under pressure. Here are the top 10 players with most runs in ICC knockout matches.
In the high-stakes world of international cricket, the pressure of ICC knockout matches can make or break careers. Every player steps in with the mindset of taking their nation ahead in the game, leaving no room for regrets. However, only a few can actually stay consistent under such highly competitive environment.
No matter how a player performed throughout the tournament, the ultimate test always awaits in the knockouts. ICC knockouts' history have seen extremely talented players scoring for their teams and keeping the flow going.
The question is, out of all the consistent scorers round the globe, who scored the most runs? We have the answer to it. Check out the list of top 10 players with most runs in ICC knockout matches.
10. Mahela Jayawardene (499 runs) | Sri Lanka
Mahela Jayawardene celebrates a century for Sri Lanka. Image | X
Mahela Jayawardene, a true master of elegant batting, consistently delivered for Sri Lanka in crucial matches throughout his international career. He holds the 10th position with 499 runs in 18 innings played in ICC knockout matches.
One of his iconic knock among all is undoubtedly his century in the 2011 World Cup Final against India (103* off 88 balls). Though the match result was not in their favour, Mahela's contribution was the sole reason SL could reach a defendable target after the early collapse of the batting line-up.
Sourav Ganguly celebrates an international century for India. Image | TOI
The former captain and aggressive left-handed opener, Sourav Ganguly, led India with passion in high-stakes games. He often contributed with the bat which laid the foundation of a huge total for the team.
Ganguly scored 514 runs in only 8 innings played in ICC knockouts! His unbeaten141 against South Africa in the 2000 Champions Trophy semi-final is the highest among all his other knockout performances.
Ganguly stats in ICC knockout matches:
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
HS
Avg
SR
100
50
1998-2003
10
8
514
141*
85.66
87.41
3
1
8. Jacques Kallis (539) | South Africa
Jacques Kallis representing South Africa in international cricket. Image | Facebook
Jacques Kallis, the greatest all-rounder of his generation, was a pillar of the South African team. His contributions in the knockout matches for SA were not always marked by centuries, but they had solid consistency.
He scored 539 runs in only 11 matches, which says a lot about his dedication and hard work for winning. His highest among all was a notable 113* against Sri Lanka in the semi-final of the inaugural season (1998) of the ICC Champions Trophy, which led to a big victory.
Kumar Sangakkara in action for Sri Lanka in an ICC knockout match. Image | X
Another Sri Lankan legend makes it to the top 10 for most runs in ICC knockout matches with his quality batting. It is none other than Kumar Sangakkara, who was the cornerstone of SL in white-ball cricket for over a decade.
He was a part of several Sri Lankan teams that reached major ICC Finals, like the 2011 WC final, and the victorious 2014 T20 World Cup. Sangakkara scored 595 runs in 19 matches, at an average of 39.66.
His contributions were one of the key aspects of the team's success in reaching these finals.
Sangakkara stats in ICC knockout matches:
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
HS
Avg
SR
100
50
2000-2015
19
18
595
64*
39.66
71.47
0
4
6. Sachin Tendulkar (657) | India
Sachin Tendulkar after the 2011 World Cup triumph. Image | Olympics.com
The 'Little Master,' Sachin Tendulkar, played in an era where India reached multiple ICC knockout stages. He scored 657 runs in 14 innings, including a century. In knockouts, his vital half-centuries saved the team from choking in several matches.
One of his most remembered fifties is the 85 runs against Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup semi-final. Tendulkar's only century in a knockout game came against Australia in the 1998 quarter-final match of the Champions Trophy, where he scored 141 off 128 balls.
Kane Williamson celebrating an ODI century in 2025 for NZ. Image | Mint
Kane Williamson is the only cricketer from New Zealand to feature in this list, and that too in the top 5. He scored 659 runs in 15 matches and has always been a great support to the team's batting lineup.
His century in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against South Africa played a significant role in setting a good total, which led to a victory. Williamson played many such match-winning knocks for NZ in knockouts.
Williamson stats in ICC knockout matches:
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
HS
Avg
SR
100
50
2011-2025
15
16
659
102
47.07
76.62
1
4
4. Steve Smith (663 runs) | Australia
Steve Smith celebrates a fifty for Australia in an ICC knockout match. Image | Sky Sports
The Australian star player, Steve Smith, always showed a knack for performing on the big stage for his team. He stands 4th with 663 runs scored in 13 matches. One of his most memorable centuries in knockouts came in the 2015 World Cup semi-final against India.
Smith has consistently performed in every format, each time Australia reached the highly competitive stage of the game of cricket.
Ricky Ponting in action for Australia. Image | Mint
The legendary Australian batter, Ricky Ponting, led his side to unmatched dominance in ICC tournaments. He scored 731 runs in 18 matches, with 3 centuries and 1 half-century.
His most iconic ICC knockout moment is the 2003 World Cup Final, where he scored a phenomenal 140* runs against India. Australia winning the title that year made Ponting's knock more memorable.
Ponting stats in ICC knockout matches:
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
HS
Avg
SR
100
50
1996-2011
18
18
731
140*
45.68
81.58
3
1
2. Rohit Sharma (884 runs) | India
Rohit Sharma celebrates a century against Bangladesh in Aisa Cup. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The 3rd Indian batter to dominate the list, the 'Hitman' of cricket, Rohit Sharma, stands tall with 884 runs in 21 matches. He has a long experience of playing in high-pressure ICC knockout matches and acing them.
While he has multiple centuries in the World Cup, his highest in an ICC knockout is 137 runs, scored against Bangladesh in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final. From giving a solid start to carrying the momentum and building partnerships, Rohit has done it all to fetch those magnificent knockout victories.
Virat Kohli celebrates his 50th century in the 2023 World Cup against NZ. Image | X
Virat Kohli, the chase master and modern-day legend, sits atop this list with 1024 runs in ICC knockout matches. He is the only player ever to score over a thousand runs in knockouts, having 1 century and 9 half centuries.
Kohli's hunger for runs and victory makes him the most reliable player in vital matches. He reached his 50th ODI century by scoring 117 runs against New Zealand in the 2023 WC semi-final. He has often guided India through tricky chases or helped set up formidable totals.
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