Simply Sensational Sourav

The last twelve months have been altogether a new dawn for Sourav Ganguly.

He was thrown a life-line in South Africa after nearly a year in hibernation and how well he lapped it up! Sourav has never looked more assured and the end result only goes on to confirm it.

The Kolkattan's batting, and even bowling, was instrumental in India recording a series win against Pakistan at home after nearly three decades. The last time India had won was in 1979-80 season when they beat Asif Iqbal led Pakistan 2-0 in a six test series. The Indian skipper then was Sunil Gavaskar.

Coming to Sourav, it was the first time in eleven years of international cricket that the southpaw managed 1000 runs in one calender year. But better late than never and fittingly, it came in his comeback season.

Sourav's 1023 runs from nine tests have come at an average of 63.9. An equally good performance in the first test against Australia, beginning on the boxing day will be the icing on the cake. It will be Sourav's 100th test as well.

In this series, the former Indian captain made 534 at a tremendous average of 89.00. Only two Indian batsmen before have crossed 500 runs in a three-test series. VVS Laxman against Australia in 2001 and Sehwag against Pakistan in 2005 series.

However, like Laxman in 2001, Sourav's contribution helped India score a series win, and that was most important.