In a motivational speech at a prominent CII gathering in West Bengal, Sourav Ganguly, the legendary ex-captain of India and head of Bengal Cricket Association, urged everyone to hold firm faith in their capabilities. ‘Hard work and self-confidence will inevitably bring success,’ he declared.
Referencing Sanju Samson’s gritty 97 against West Indies, Ganguly pointed out how the young star overcame widespread criticism for consistent failures. In a high-stakes quarter-final, Samson’s elegant batting not only rescued his team but also justified his selection ahead of Shubman Gill.
‘Each day is a fresh start,’ Ganguly advised. He illustrated with Australia’s 1999 World Cup turnaround: after four defeats, they dominated the remaining games to lift the trophy. Ganguly credits cricket for instilling the self-assurance that shapes his current life.
Reflecting on impermanence, he said, ‘No one stays at the top forever—neither as captain nor as BCCI chief.’ Ganguly values every role, big or small, and maintains ties with business leaders in sports. Eden Gardens holds special memories; his debut there at 13 came with a modest 100-rupee Ranji fee, contrasting sharply with modern IPL fortunes of 27 crores per season.
Ganguly’s insights blend personal stories with universal truths, inspiring audiences to persevere through setbacks.