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Sourav Ganguly Says He Risked Captaincy to Keep Anil Kumble on 2003 Australia Tour

In a new interview with Harsha Bhogle, he details resisting a selectors’ move to prefer a left-arm spinner over Kumble.

Overview

  • Ganguly says he was warned he might lose the captaincy if India underperformed after insisting on Kumble’s inclusion.
  • He recalls selectors urging a left-arm option, citing Daniel Vettori’s recent success as the template for Australia.
  • He describes a late-night discussion in Hyderabad where he told officials he would not leave without Kumble in the squad.
  • Kumble vindicated the call with 24 wickets in three Tests, including 8/141 at the SCG, as India drew the series and retained the trophy.
  • The recollection was shared on Bhogle’s The Captain’s Calm and carried by Indian media on December 19.