Calcutta: Sourav Ganguly didn’t take his shirt off as he did during the Natwest Trophy final 12 years ago.
But he was certainly over the moon, pumping his fist in the air when Mohammed Rafique scored the winner and his team Atletico de Kolkata were crowned champions of the inaugural Indian Super League.
For Sourav, ATK’s triumph carries equal significance to that momentous occasion for Indian cricket at Lord’s. Given how he celebrated, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Lord’s had descended upon the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
The Natwest final too had happened on a Saturday, mind you…
“I didn’t take my shirt off here… Did that in 2002, when I was a lot slimmer and fitter. It was an amazing feeling then back at Lord’s… And it’s a similar feeling here as well… It’s not any lesser in this case….
“Winning the Natwest Trophy and being champions of the ISL, both moments are absolutely sensational for me,” the ATK co-owner said in a chat with the official broadcasters after ATK’s 1-0 victory over Kerala Blasters in the decider.
Sourav was quick to add: “The first year has come to an end… Am confident we’ll be able to defend our title…”
The interest surrounding the inaugural edition has certainly pleased Sourav very much. “I celebrated after a long time. Last time I celebrated in this fashion was during my India days…
“But honestly, it’s a fabulous feeling to win such a big competition and that too, in its very first year… The following has been unbelievable…
“When we started the tournament, we never expected such interest and enthusiasm among fans. We come from a cricket background and the stands used to be filled up for any match. And to see so much of people coming up in the first year itself was absolutely great and unbelievable. A great feeling. Credit goes to everyone, Mrs (Nita) Ambani, the sponsors… everyone…
“All those people who put in an effort day in day out to make sure the competition was a success… Their efforts were outstanding. They have organised a great tournament… No doubt…
“The interest will grow from here because everyone followed the ISL... The entire world followed it, which is the strong point of this league. It will be even better next season.”
