"May Not Be Captain Again": Ganguly's Bold Stand for Kumble in 2003 Australia Tour

• Sourav Ganguly revealed he defied BCCI selectors to include Anil Kumble for the 2003 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
• Selectors wanted a left-arm spinner, but Ganguly insisted on Kumble, who had recovered from injury and was the team's premier spinner.
• Ganguly was warned he might lose his captaincy if the team didn't perform well, but he stood firm.
• Kumble proved crucial, taking 24 wickets in three Tests, including 8/141 at SCG, helping India draw the series.
• This bold decision and subsequent success significantly enhanced Ganguly's leadership stature, followed by a historic win in Pakistan.

Why It Matters: Ganguly's unwavering belief in Kumble, defying BCCI, cemented his legacy as a strong leader.