The Story Behind “Dada”, “Prince of Kolkata” & “God of Offside” Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly is one of the most influential figures in Indian cricket history. Known fondly as “Dada,” and famously as the “Prince of Kolkata” and “God of Offside,” Ganguly combined elegance with aggression and leadership with belief. He didn’t just score runs - he changed India’s cricketing mindset. But how did he earn these iconic nicknames? Let’s explore.
Why He is Called “Dada”
The nickname “Dada” comes from Bengali culture, where it means elder brother. Ganguly’s teammates and fans used it as a sign of affection and respect. As a leader, he stood by his players, backed youngsters fearlessly, and led from the front - truly like an elder brother to the team.
The Meaning of “Prince of Kolkata”
Born and raised in Kolkata, Sourav Ganguly represented the city’s cricketing royalty. His graceful batting style, confident personality, and strong association with Eden Gardens earned him the title “Prince of Kolkata.” He carried the pride of the city wherever he played.
Why He is Called the “God of Offside”
Ganguly’s offside strokeplay was legendary. His cover drives, square cuts, and punches through the offside were so dominant that bowlers often avoided that line altogether. His control and timing on the offside made fans crown him the “God of Offside.”
Leader Who Changed Indian Cricket
As captain, Ganguly transformed India into a fearless, competitive side.
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Backed young talents like Dhoni, Yuvraj, Sehwag, and Zaheer
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Built a strong overseas mindset
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Restored pride and aggression to Indian cricket
His leadership laid the foundation for India’s future success.
In Short: Why Sourav Ganguly Has These Iconic Titles
Sourav Ganguly earned the titles “Dada,” “Prince of Kolkata,” and “God of Offside” through elegance, leadership, and fearless belief. He didn’t just lead a team - he built an era. For Indian cricket fans, Dada remains unforgettable.
Also Read: Why AB de Villiers is Known as Mr. 360, The Genius Behind ABD