'I missed a lot...': Sourav Ganguly reveals biggest regrets from playing days, laments dropping this talented teammate

Former India captain and legend Sourav Ganguly still carries a few regrets from an illustrious career that inspired a generation. Despite amassing 38 international centuries and over 18,500 runs in Tests and ODIs combined, Ganguly admits that the tally could have been far higher had he converted more of his numerous 80s and 90s.Ganguly reflected on what advice he would offer his younger self. “I missed a lot of hundreds, I should have scored more. Too many 90s and 80s,” he said in an interaction with PTI . The numbers further back his regret, given Ganguly fell in the 80s and 90s exactly 30 times across formats. Had he converted even half of those, the 52-year-old could have easily crossed 50 international centuries, putting him in an elite bracket alongside India’s modern batting giants. Ganguly also revealed that he often revisits those moments through old match footage. “When my wife is away — because Sana lives in London — I watch my batting videos on YouTube and say, ‘Arre phir 70 pe out ho gaya.’ You can’t change it now,” he laughed.

Missed centuries aren't the only regret

Besides the centuries that he missed out on, there’s another regret that weighs on the former skipper — dropping Anil Kumble, one of India’s greatest spinners, a few times during his leadership tenure.

Decisions driven by conditions and team balance meant Kumble occasionally made way for other bowlers. “Anil Kumble, a few times, because he was so good,” Ganguly admitted, acknowledging how tough those calls were.

He also highlighted the challenges posed by the mushrooming T20 leagues worldwide, stressed that stopping players from chasing big paydays is easier said than done.