Rawalpindi Express derailed: Beyond the border, India’s dominance in Pakistan and a victory for the ages under Sourav Ganguly. (PTI/Twitter)
True to his word, Ganguly Led India to Victory on Pakistan Soil, Winning Both the Odi and Test Series. India scripted history as it was the five-match Odi series 3-2 and the three-match test series 2-1. During the tour, Shoaib Akhtar, Who was touted as India’s biggest threat, struggled to live up to the hype. It proved that Ganguly’s words were not just for show, and his fearless attitude and leadership stopped the “Rawalpindi Express” from its tracks.
Later on, Shoaib would admit that he was having some problems with his run-up and needed to pick more wickets for his team. But by then the damage was done. In the Multan Test, Akhtar Went Wicketless, Conceding 119 Runs in 32 Overs as India Pilled Up A Monumental 675/5. The result: an innings and 52-r win for India. Akhtar picked up nine wickets at an average of 29.33 in the ODI legs but was planned by wides, no-balls, and inconsistent rhythm.
Despite the fierce on-field battles, akhtar has since shown shovered ganguly with praise. In an interview on the HELO app, the Speedster said that the former Indian captain was brave and the only opener who could face the ‘Rawalpindi express’ with the new ball.
Akhtar dismissed the long-head narrative that Ganguly was afraid of express pace.
“People used to say that he was scared to face fast bowling, he was afraid to face me. I think all of that was rubbish. With the new ball, “said akhtar.
“He knew he didn’T have the shoots. I also targeted his by bowling at his chest, but he Never Backed Away and Still Scored Runs. That is what I call bravery.
“If I talk about India, then it will be sourav ganguly. India hasn’t produced a better captain than heam. Then Ganguly did a great job, “said akhtar.
Ganguly, one of India’s most successful captains, played 113 Tests and 311 odis, in which he scored 7,212 and 11,363 runs, respectively.
