Can the Prince rise like a Phoenix?

There is something tragic in the way things have turned out for Sourav Ganguly. I know it is a beaten topic, but I cannot help but give my two cents on the matter.

It is not much of a stretch at all to say that Ganguly has done great things for Indian cricket. The aggression and pride that he brought into the Indian team was definitely lacking before him, and is a major reason for the successes and confidence of the Indian team in the recent past. It is rather sad to see his name being dragged into controversies now. Of course, there must be some truth to Chappell's allegations, but I think he deserves better treatment than what is being meted out to him. For all his frailties, he has been a heroic figure and I just hope things change for the better for him.

He has been quite an interesting character. When he made a comeback into the Indian team, he gave the impression of being a talented but rather laidback character, which was most evident in the way he (mis)fielded. But slowly he rose through the ranks to become the captain of the team after Azhar and Tendulkar, and this brought out a side seldom seen in him. Pure and unalloyed aggression, especially in the one-dayers, was refreshing to see. It was also very impressive that he could turn around the fortunes of the Indian team after the match fixing controversies.

It would be just great if he can somehow find inspiration to come back into the Indian team and perform a fitting swan song. The World Cup in the Caribbean maybe a perfect stage for him to bid goodbye. But this is all probably too unrealistic and the stuff of dreams. Then again, maybe not.