Why Was Sourav Ganguly Called The ‘God Of Offside’ In Cricket?

Sourav Ganguly, one of Indian cricket’s most iconic figures, earned numerous accolades during his illustrious career. Known as the ‘Prince of Kolkata’ and ‘Dada’, he also carried the epithet of the “God of Offside”, a nickname bestowed upon him for his exceptional prowess on the cricket field.

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Mastering the Offside

Sourav Ganguly‘s graceful off-side strokeplay was a defining feature of his batting style.

When he took to the crease, spectators were treated to a masterclass in cover drives, square cuts, and precise square drives.

His ability to maneuver the ball through the gaps with finesse and timing became legendary among cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

Former teammate Rahul Dravid famously coined the nickname “God of Offside” for Ganguly, acknowledging his unparalleled skills in executing shots on the offside. 

Dravid once remarked that there is God first and then Sourav Ganguly on the offside, highlighting the magnitude of Ganguly’s talent in this aspect of the game.

Even cricketing greats like Steve Waugh praised Ganguly’s ability, noting that he was as proficient on the offside as any player they had seen. 

Ganguly’s technique allowed him to effortlessly find gaps in the field and dominate bowling attacks with his precise placement and timing.

To summarise, Sourav Ganguly’s nickname as the “God of Offside” perfectly captures his expertise in producing shots on the offside of the cricket pitch.  

His legacy as a batter who could control and manipulate the ball with precision in this area remains etched in the annals of cricket history.

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