MS Dhoni and Sourav Ganguly. Two of India’s best captains not only won the team a lot of trophies and matches, but they also gave the fans things to cheer. Most of us out here grew up watching both or either of them. While we celebrate their birthdays, we asked a few fans a few questions about when and how they became fans. This is what they had to say.
Prathap Muruganandham- Dada fan
Favourite Moment
There are many, right from Natwest final incident, his return to IPL with Pune Warriors India in 2011 and becoming the coach of Delhi Capitals. His reaction when the team entered playoff, the celebration with Ricky Ponting after the match against SRH and there are a lot more. Ask me, why I have favourite moments even after he became the coach, well, at least I could catch a glimpse of him
When did you become a fan, the moment?
The 2003 World Cup, there was this particular match against Kenya where he would take his team home when everyone in the top order failed. I cannot forget that moment and since then, I’m a big fan of him
Have you watched his match in the stadium, cheered for him?
In 2011, nobody would pick him in the auction but he eventually went on to play for Pune. Later, he became the captain of the team. We knew these were the final moments of Dada’s career, so my friend and I went on cheer the whole day
Have you met him in person?
I didn’t get an opportunity to meet him in person but have seen him during matches
What is your message for him
He should be happy as always and I wish he keeps going to the next level.
Fan moment
I used to collect his pictures, used to cut it from papers and pasted it all over my room.
A moment where you felt, “wish he was here”
I always wanted him to captain the side when India lifted the World Cup.
Ever did something crazy for him?
Well, not exactly, but there were times I got into a fight with people who spoke ill of him both in person and social media.
Subbaraman–Dada fan
Favourite Moment
2002, July 13, Dada – PRINCE OF CALCUTTA showed his aggression by removing his T-shirt from Lords Balcony, greatest revenge done by Indian captain who still had Andrew Flintoff(who previously did this in Indian soil) disrespect in the heart. Never anyone messed with Indians in such a way again after this revenge was given.
When did you become his fan, the moment?
Since Childhood
Have you watched his match in the stadium, cheered for him?
I was given the opportunity to see him bat in an IPL match against CSK. And India red vs India blue league match that usually happens before IPL. Only twice. Shouted hard and roared along with entire Chennai crowd when he comes out to Bat.
Have you met him in person?
I didn’t get an opportunity
Message for him
You should not have left too early. That aggressive nature is your beauty always. Please never give up on that sir.
Fan moment
Plenty, school book labels, sportstar magazine images, newspaper cuttings
A moment where you felt, “wish he was here”
Coach selection for team India, World Cup-winning moment and whenever fights occur between players.
Ever did something crazy for him?
Gayathri Jabam to make him bat till the end, for wicket when he bowls, wearing the same colour T-shirt.
Sabarish Sundar Krishnamurthy– DADA fan
Favourite Moment
Obviously, the Lord’s moment. Then that three consecutive out of the stadium six against Zimbabwe.
When did you become his fan, the moment?
Right from I began watching cricket, in 1999 World Cup.
Have you watched his match in the stadium, cheered for him?
Yes, The famous Chepauk Test, when India batted.
Have you met him in person?
I didn’t get an opportunity, that’s life-time desire
Message for him
My message is he has been going one step higher from his debut, so I want him to serve for Cricket in some way or other forever. Love you Always.
Fan moment
Plenty. My wall would be collections of Dada’s pictures. From small paper cutting to sports star poster everything I had.
A moment where you felt, “wish he was here”
2011 world Cup in the Indian dug-out with Sachin Tendulkar as the team’s mentor.
Ever did something crazy for him?
Many things. Especially, during 2003 finals and 2007 Sri Lanka match. Even today if he plays a club cricket I start praying he should play long innings and hit big sixes.
Sonu Jack- Ganguly fan
Favourite Moment
Obviously, the Lord’s moment.
When did you become his fan, the moment?
He was my childhood crush and I loved his attitude and the way he loved revenge.
Have you watched his match in the stadium, cheered for him?
No
Have you met him in person?
That’s my life-time dream
Message for him
We miss you and love you. Wish to see you on the field again.
Fan moment
I fought with my class boys for the note that had Ganguly as the front page.
A moment where you felt, “wish he was here”
I wish he was the captain of RCB. I think the match would have been even more interesting if he was.
Ever did something crazy for him?
I stole his picture and kept it inside my bag from my uncle’s place. I loved him that much.
Mohanraj- Ganguly fan
Favourite Moment
239 vs Pakistan and his comeback game against the Windies.
When did you become his fan, the moment?
2003 World Cup finals. I was just six at that time but I remember every single moment of it. Right after we lost the finals, my uncle cried and he used to keep saying that Ganguly would have changed the result of the game had he stayed. Right from that time, I became his fan.
Have you watched his match in the stadium, cheered for him?
No
Have you met him in person?
That’s my life-time dream
Message for him
He was, is and will always be working towards the development of the team. I wish him good luck.
A moment where you felt, “wish he was here”
2011 World Cup
Ever did something crazy for him?
No.
Nagalakshmi-MSD fan
Favourite Moment
I loved Dhoni the most in 2007. Where he lifted the world cup and the way he maintained the team.
When did you become his fan, the moment?
T20 World Cup 2007
Have you watched his match in the stadium, cheered for him?
No
Have you met him in person?
No
Message for him
I badly want to see you back, at least in CSK. This coronavirus. Wanna see you soon, Thala.
A moment where you felt, “wish he was here”
Many times under Kohli. I wanted to see Dhoni in the team.
Ever did something crazy for him?
When I first watched T20, I used to shout for Dhoni. I used to pray and used to tell that only because of Dhoni, India won the game.
Chandru-MSD fan
Favourite Moment
148 vs Pakistan always.
When did you become his fan, the moment?
Became a hardcore fan after 2011, I even used to get involved in fan fights.
Have you watched his match in the stadium, cheered for him?
No
Have you met him in person?
No
A moment where you felt, “wish he was here”
Used to wish that Dhoni was here in a lot of matches and situations.
Ever did something crazy for him?
I used to say wrong about him, like, he would get out this ball. If I did that, he would score runs.
Krishna-MSD fan
Favourite Moment
Right from his debut. I loved the way how he was different from others.
When did you become his fan, the moment?
The moment was when he smashed against Pakistan.
Have you watched his match in the stadium, cheered for him?
Yes, almost all the matches that happened in Chepauk. Including IPL. I think I spent Lakhs to watch his matches.
Have you met him in person?
Yes, once. In a hotel. He shook hands with me.
A moment where you felt, “wish he was here”
2003 World Cup finals. I think about it these days.
Ever did something crazy for him?
During 2018, when CSK returned, I followed the team bus all the way from the hotel.
Rahul Anand-MSD fan
Favourite Moment
183 runs against Sri Lanka. My favourite moment till today
When did you become his fan, the moment?
Right after his first century. I thought he was different.
Have you watched his match in the stadium, cheered for him?
A few IPL matches.
Have you met him in person?
No
A moment where you felt, “wish he was here”
In many matches, I wanted him to bat up the order
Ever did something crazy for him?
Many things like doing poojais and all for him.
Roshni Vidhyanandan- Ganguly fan
Favourite Moment
His big sixes against Zimbabwe.
When did you become his fan, the moment?
My whole family was his fan and so I became one too.
Have you watched his match in the stadium, cheered for him?
Yes, a few Test matches.
Have you met him in person?
I work for NGO associated with him. I met him quite a few times. He is a good person and he always smiles.
A moment where you felt, “wish he was here”
2011 World Cup and I always wanted him to play for IPL a few more years.
Ever did something crazy for him?
Not exactly crazy but we make huge donations during his birthday.
