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Boria Majumdar

When match fixing had cast a spell over Indian cricket at the turn of the millennium, Indian cricket appeared to be thrust into a cauldron of darkness. There was no light at the end of the tunnel. Suddenly, Sourav Ganguly, the skipper, appeared on the horizon to bail out Indian cricket and challenge India's away win record. And yes, even today he is considered India's best ever captain.

The same happened with Kolkata. With the laptop taking precedence over on field passion and with too much planning making the situation complicated beyond comprehension Kolkata crashed to a dismal low in South Africa in 2009. Two victories out of 14, they were down and out even before the tournament had reached midway. And a humiliated Sourav Ganguly, ousted from captaincy, had disappointed us all in IPL season two. A man worshipped as god had done nothing right.

The saying going round Kolkata at the end of IPL season two was that every good thing has to come to an end. Was it time to give it all up was the question even his fans had to raise? Without being partial or parochial, it was stated that Sourav has been one who has always had the answers. Questions were raised as to whether he continued to be the great he once was, whether he could still tear the bowlers apart and whether he still deserved the mantle of the best Kolkata could flaunt?

With a change in team management at the top and with Sourav back in control he has once again put these debates to rest. He is, so far, the best captain on display in IPL season III.

What does Sourav Ganguly mean to us? Simply put, he is anything but a mere cricketer. He is a phenomenon we have collectively come to worship in Kolkata. He has given our cricket teeth and muscle and taught us to believe that we can challenge the very best in the world. He has allowed Bengali cricket fans to say on many occasions to others from round the country, "Fellows, Check mate" or better still, "How's that?" From Ganguly, Kolkata brooks no failure.

Sourav, by playing for Bengal, was doing Kolkata a favour. It infuriates them, it drives them to madness and it renders them speechless. Against the Mumbaites who often boast of a sporting culture, a great system, our robust refrain has been that "We have Ganguly." When this refrain is rendered useless, when this having is turned into a liability, Kolkata is forced to mourn. Yes, all of us are in mourning in IPL season two.

But at the start of season three signs are different. So much so that mishit doi and rosogolla are huge demand in areas of Kolkata. Each Kolkata match is a party that all of Kolkata wants to attend. The Knight in shining armour and Kolkata's favourite son is back. The skipper, the way we know him, is leading from the front. The Ganguly legend is alive. Long live the skipper.