Sourav Ganguly turns 49: A look at his illustrious cricket career in photos

Former captain of the Indian cricket team, popularly known as 'Dada', Sourav Ganguly turns 49 today. Here we take a look at his illustrious career spanning around 15 years.

One of India’s most successful captains, Sourav Ganguly is best remembered for his graceful cricketing style and huge contribution to the sport in India. Credit: Instagram/sourav_ganguly_fanpage

Sourav Ganguly made his ODI debut in January 1992 when he was aged just 19 against West Indies at Brisbane where he scored 3 runs. Credit: Instagram/souravganguly

In 1996, Ganguly made a dream test debut with a spectacular 131 against England at Lord’s. In his second Test in Nottingham, he scored 136 and 48 runs, respectively. Credit: Instagram/sourav_ganguly_fanpage

Ganguly was given the charge of the team in the aftermath of the 2000 match-fixing scandal. Sourav’s leadership got Team India 21 wins in just 49 matches making him the most successful Indian captain of all time. Credit: Instagram/sourav_ganguly_fanpage

One of Ganguly’s career best performances came in 2001 against Sri Lanka in Kandi where he scored an unbeaten 98 to take India to a majestic seven wicket win. Credit: Instagram/sourav_ganguly_fanpage

It was on July 13, 2002, when Ganguly and his young team won the NatWest Trophy final, chasing down a steep target of 326 with just three balls to spare. Credit: PTI Photo

The Indian cricket team clinched their first overseas test series after more than a decade under his captaincy in 2004. Team India beat Pakistan by 2-1 to lift the cup. Credit: Instagram/sourav_ganguly_fanpage

During his captaincy years, Sourav's close aide was coach John Wright, who was India's first foreign coach on a full-time basis. Credit: Reuters

Post Wright’s exit, Greg Chappell was made team India’s coach. Ganguly and Chappell didn’t share a cordial relationship which affected his performance. Credit: DH Photo

Ganguly announced his retirement at the Nagpur Test against Australia in November 2008. Credit: Instagram/sourav_ganguly_fanpage

Sourav Ganguly was moved by the special gesture when MS Dhoni handed him the reins during his final international appearance. Credit: DH Photo

The 'Bengal Tiger' represented the Indian team in 113 Tests and 311 ODIs until he announced his retirement in 2008. Credit: Instagram/sourav_ganguly_fanpage

Sourav quit from all levels of the game, deciding not to play in the IPL as well in 2012, four years after he announced his retirement from the international cricket. Credit: Instagram/sourav_ganguly_fanpage

From commentary to mentoring an IPL team, Dada donned several hats post his retirement from the international cricket. Credit: Instagram/souravganguly

However, Ganguly still remains an integral part of Indian cricket, serving as president of the The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Credit: PTI Photo