'A good winner and a gracious loser' - Bowden

	Time spent in the domestic circuit reflected in Sourav Ganguly's Test debut at Lord's © Getty Images Enlarge

Billy Bowden, umpire

To be a good winner you have be a gracious loser. From my experience with Sourav he was gracious on both occasions and always had a prince's smile. To captain your country you must have natural talent and respect from your colleagues. As an umpire, he had my respect. I told him after the game today 'I can show you a good time in New Zealand'. With a smile he said, 'Really? Are you sure?' I said, 'Yes no third umpire needed'.

Kapil Dev, former India coach

That evening in 2002, standing on the Lord's balcony, when Sourav took off his shirt and waved to start wild celebrations was a remarkable moment. I can never forget it. For the people of older generation like me it was a tremendous occasion. It marked the beginning of a new India. What was really surprising was here was a team's captain, and not just any player, who had decided to bare his emotions in such a public fashion and that, too, at such an historic venue. It was just unbelievable and fantastic.

Javagal Srinath, fomer India team-mate

The Sourav Ganguly people saw in 1991 and the one who came back in 1996 were completely different and people's perception about him changed in his second coming. Nothing surprised more than that. He had transformed in his game, but, importantly he was on top of his game during those four to five years on the domestic circuit. It's always good to spend time in domestic cricket to gain experience in those early years, but he performed consistently and that showed in his century at Lord's on his Test debut.

Saba Karim, former Bengal and India team-mate

I was Sourav's captain during the beginning of his domestic career and also played under him. Before his Test debut in 1996 he was a player, who, at times, could be nervous, someone who was not sure of his own ability. But once he started to play for India regularly he found that belief easily. After a good performance in an ODI series in Pakistan [Wills Trophy] he turned up to lead Bengal in a Ranji game against Orissa on a what was a sub-standard pitch. Though he failed in the ODI and and later in the first innings of the four-day game, he came out stronger when it was the most crucial. We were set small target in a low-scoring game and Ganguly decided to push himself up to the No. 3 from his usual No. 5. He made only 30, the second highest in the innings, but the way he took the responsibility on himself calmed the nerves of his team-mates. That day I felt his transformation from a domestic to international cricketer was complete. It showed me how he had held his own to stay put and had learned quickly from playing for the country.

Andy Flower, former Zimbabwe captain

When he used to play a left-arm spinner, not one particular, I was always amazed at his power of hitting over the boundary especially since the ball was coming into him. That to me was my favourite Sourav Ganguly moment.

Deep Dasgupta, fomer Bengal team-mate

When he was dropped from the Irani Cup he was obviously upset as he had been looking forward to play the Australian series. Even before his omission he had been working really hard. Despite the disappointment and his stature he didn't give up. Next day, he was back to his usual training. That spoke a lot about his dedication, his passion. He just set an example for everyone. That spoke a lot about his personality and his character.