A Test average of 34.67 in his 32 matches as captain will certainly not earn him a place in the side for his batting alone. But the one-dayers have been a different proposition. For long, many have regarded the left-hander as the best one-day cricketer in the team, as he averages 43.48 in the shorter version of the game.

As long as one is on the winning side, few questions will be raised.

Ganguly has always been a fighter. Severely criticised after his first tour of Australia, his response was typical.

"It [the criticism] has taught me many things. It taught me to be a strong man and also showed me the way to become a professional."

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