Ganguly to retire

'Just one last thing, lads'

A fighter he was, a fighter he is till the end. Last time an Indian player went out in a dignified manner was way back when Sunil Gavaskar retired.

I have been one of his harshest critics and hate him to the core but at some level that hatred is born out of respect I have for his never-say-die attitude.

For me three things stand out in his career, that century in Brisbane against Australia in 2003-04 series and that in your face impromptu celebration on the balcony of Lord's after India won the Natwest trophy. The last, who can forget the way he announced himself onto the cricketing arena with back-to-back centuries in England, in 96 which to me looks like just yesterday.

If Sachin is the God of cricket then Ganguly is the God of the Off-side for me. The cover drives or the way he treats spinners by stepping out are something which I'll miss and will always cherish those memories along with Sachin's straight drive or Rahul Dravid's forward defence or Laxman's flick on the on-side through mid-wicket.

Thanks for the memories Dada. Hope you have a great farewell series and really do hope that you end on a winning note.