The day after he announced his retirement, Sourav Ganguly looked relaxed choosing to spend the evening with wife Dona and daughter Sana. Vijay Tagore caught up with him
About a year ago in Bangalore you were on a high, having scored your first double century. Has life come full circle?
Yes. That was a very satisfying knock. In fact, the last two years have been very good, except for the series in Lanka. But life has to end somewhere. I’m not getting any younger.
But was there any pressure to retire?
No pressure. It was my own decision. I was disappointed when I was dropped for the Irani Trophy. I felt it was time to go.
But there are a lot reports of seniors being under pressure?
You can’t pressurise players like Sachin, Rahul, Anil and Laxman to retire.
So is there any deal? Will you be playing all the four Tests?
There is no such deal.
Do you see anyone working against you?
I don’t see that. Nor did I think about that. I’m leaving on my own choice.
So what next?
I have not planned yet. Let the series be over. There are a lot of options.
Will you be playing the Ranji Trophy?
Not at all. I’ve no plans to play in the Ranji Trophy.
What about IPL?
Of course, I will play in the IPL. But that will be only for two more years.
Why not for a longer time?
Because after two years I would not be any younger. T20 is a young man’s game. You have to see if the body will permit. I don’t think I can continue after that.
What was your teammates’ reaction?
I didn’t want to make a fuss about it. The series is more important than my retirement.
How do you look back at your career?
With a lot of satisfaction. We should have won the WC final in 2003. But no regrets. We built a strong team with a good blend of seniors and juniors. That gave me a lot of satisfaction.
Special moments?
The first Test at Lord’s, obviously. Then of course the World Cup experience.
Why are you always under scrutiny?
Probably, people didn’t like my face.
