“I Will Catch the Next Flight to Kolkata”: When Sourav Ganguly Threatened Sachin Tendulkar to Leave USA Ahead Of Cricket All-Star Series

A three-match all-star series was played between Warner Warriors and Sachin Blasters in 2015 in the USA. Interestingly, the matches were played on the baseball grounds which was quite a unique thing. Some of the top names of the game took part in those games.

As the team names suggest, Warne Warriors were led by former Australian spinner Shane Warne and Sachin Blasters were led by legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar. The series was won by the Warriors who won all three games with ease.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly and former batter Virender Sehwag were part of Tendulkar’s side. Interestingly, Tendulkar made a successful opening pair with both of them in international cricket. The pair of Ganguly and Tendulkar combined for the most runs as openers in ODIs.

When Sourav Ganguly Threatened Sachin Tendulkar to Leave USA Ahead Of Cricket All-Star Series

Ahead of the first match, Ganguly had addressed the reporters where he joked about opening the innings. Ganguly revealed that he had already informed Tendulkar that he will leave for Kolkata if he does not get the chance to play at the top. Although, the southpaw agreed that he was not able to time the ball that well in the nets.

“I have told Sachin, if I don’t open, I will catch the next flight to Kolkata. So that is a criteria for playing. I was picking the ball late. But it was fun.” Sourav Ganguly had said in a jovial mood to the reporters.

Despite all the fun, Ganguly did not open in the series. He missed the first match and played at third & fourth position in the second and third matches, respectively. Ganguly played a knock of 12 runs in the second match and scored a half-century in the third one.

Sachin Tendulkar ODI opening record with Sourav Ganguly and Virender Sehwag

The pair of Tendulkar and Ganguly added 6609 runs in 136 innings at an average of 49.32. They combined for 21 century and 23 half-century partnerships. On the other hand, the pair of Tendulkar and Sehwag added 3919 runs in 93 innings at an average of 42.13 with the help of 12 century and 18 half-century stands.