2000-2005
Building the Team
How one captain transformed Indian cricket by backing young talent and instilling a fighting spirit.
The Players He Backed
Youngsters who became legends
Virender Sehwag
Opener
Saw an opener when the world saw a middle-order bat. Unleashed the Nawab of Najafgarh.
Yuvraj Singh
All-rounder
Gave him debut at 19. Gave him belief. Watched him become a World Cup hero.
Zaheer Khan
Fast Bowler
India's pace weapon. The left-arm fire that terrorized batsmen worldwide.
Harbhajan Singh
Spinner
Unleashed against Australia. 32 wickets in a series. The spin revolution.
Mohammad Kaif
Fielder
Changed India's fielding standards. The man who caught everything.
Ashish Nehra
Fast Bowler
Pace, swing, and aggression. The Delhi speedster who delivered in big moments.
The Transformation
Before Ganguly
India struggled abroad. Polite pushovers. Accepting defeat gracefully.
2000-2005: The Ganguly Era
India fighting everywhere. Winning in Pakistan. Drawing in Australia. Conquering at Lord's.
After Ganguly
India winning World Cups. Dominating at home and abroad. The boys he built became champions.
Leadership Principles
Attack First
No more defensive cricket. No more playing for draws. Attack was the only option.
Back Your Players
Fight for your team. Defend them in public. Build their confidence.
Never Show Fear
Stand your ground. Make them respect you. Fear is for the weak.
Trust Youth
Talent over experience. Back the youngsters. Watch them become legends.
Historic Victories
England 2002
NatWest Final at Lord's - The defining moment
Australia 2003-04
Drew the series in Australia - Made them respect India
Pakistan 2004
First Indian captain to win Test series in Pakistan
"He didn't just captain. He created."
A team. A mentality. A revolution.