Gangulys take fresh guard as India ready for Super 6

KOLKATA: For a city where he has been a living deity for the last seven years, a ‘funeral procession’ of the Indian team or burning down of Sourav Ganguly’s posters seemed an aberration. They still rankle the Ganguly household, but they seem to be in a forgiving mood as the Maharaj’s men take fresh guard for the Super Six stage of the World Cup.
“See, it was the handiwork of a 100-odd people in such a big city.Why should we take it seriously ?’’ remarked Dona Ganguly, Indian cricket’s first lady on Wednesday. “Such things often arise out of frustration when the expectation level among the fans is so high. Anyway, it’s all a thing of the past now,’’ she told TNN, her comments acquiring a diplomatic ring to it.
The mood of the city had undergone a dramatic swing from what it was less than three weeks back — what with the thumping back-to-back victories against England and Pakistan restoring the stars their ‘rightful’ places in posters and banners all over. The Gangulys have been breathing somewhat easy for the last week or so, but they all know it could be a passing phase as the Indian team enters the most crucial phase of the campaign.
“We have got so used to these highs and lows that they don’t affect us anymore. Like millions, I also pray that our team wins the World Cup but then, let’s hope for the best,’’ said an almost stoical Dona. Her frequent trips on tour with hubby Ganguly may have steeled her all the more, though it’s not quite the case with the captain’s parents.
A nervous excitement is very much palpable in both Chandi and Nirupa Ganguly, as both are extremely superstitous about the ‘rules’ laid down by them on any matchday of India. Any attempts of taking pictures of them watching their son in action on TV is a no-no, while Nirupa still locks herself in a room with a portable set to watch the game.
“It’s been seven years since Lord’s, but our practice hasn’t changed. What you can say is that we have grown more used to the tension. I also dont like speaking to the media about Maharaj’s achievements...it’s upto you all to write,’’ said Mama Ganguly, whose father Sacchidananda Chattopadhyay was also one of the influential cricket officials in the Maidan.