By A Rivalry Reignited After Years
Cricket has always been more than just a sport; it’s about rivalries, pride, and unforgettable moments. Few rivalries were as gripping in the late 1990s and early 2000s as the one between India’s Sourav Ganguly and New Zealand’s Stephen Fleming. Both were fierce competitors, sharp cricketing minds, and proud leaders of their national sides. Their captaincy battles often shaped the outcomes of tight encounters, and their on-field duels carried an intensity that still lingers in fans’ memories.
Fast forward to the present day, the SA20 auction turned into a stage where this rivalry took a lighthearted, yet unforgettable, twist. Ganguly—now a seasoned administrator and mentor—pulled off an epic stunt that playfully settled a decades-old score with Fleming, who is coaching in the same league.
Flashback: Ganguly vs. Fleming in Their Playing Days
During their playing careers, Ganguly and Fleming were cut from different cloths but shared an unshakable competitive streak.
- Ganguly, the “Prince of Kolkata,” was known for his fearless batting, bold captaincy, and an uncanny ability to back young talent. His aggression wasn’t just with the bat but also in his leadership style, where he famously refused to back down from a challenge.
- Fleming, on the other hand, was measured, calculating, and tactically astute. He commanded respect with his calm demeanor and clever strategies, especially when it came to dismantling India’s batting order.
Their face-offs in the ICC tournaments of the early 2000s often had sparks flying. Fleming was one of the few captains who consistently managed to trouble India, while Ganguly never missed an opportunity to remind New Zealand of India’s dominance at home.
The Auction Stage: A New Battlefield
At the SA20 auction, both men were present in very different avatars. Ganguly, no longer wielding the bat, was part of a management setup, while Fleming was strategizing from the coach’s desk.
The story goes that during a crucial bidding war, Fleming’s franchise was eyeing a player they had carefully scouted. Just as Fleming’s team began their pursuit, Ganguly cheekily outbid them—not because his side desperately needed the player, but simply to deny Fleming the chance. The crowd of owners, coaches, and auctioneers burst into laughter as Ganguly flashed his trademark mischievous grin, clearly enjoying the moment.
It wasn’t an act of hostility but one of playful revenge—a reminder that competitive fire never truly fades. Ganguly’s lighthearted stunt carried shades of the same spirit that once defined his captaincy: never backing down and always staying one step ahead of his rival.
Fleming’s Reaction: Grace Under Fire
Stephen Fleming, known for his composure, handled the moment with characteristic calm. He simply shook his head and smiled, acknowledging that Ganguly had gotten the better of him this time. It was a throwback to the many times during their careers when Ganguly’s aggression clashed with Fleming’s serenity.
Observers in the auction hall later joked that the duel between the two legends was more entertaining than some of the bidding wars themselves. For the younger players present, it was also a masterclass in how rivalries can evolve into respect-filled camaraderie.
Why This Moment Matters
What made this incident special was its symbolism. Cricket today is dominated by franchise leagues, analytics, and billion-dollar deals. Yet, moments like these remind us that the game’s soul still thrives in its rivalries and stories. The playful jab between Ganguly and Fleming was a bridge between generations—connecting fans who grew up watching their battles in whites and blues to those who now follow franchise cricket in bright jerseys.
It also highlighted how cricket legends transition into new roles yet carry the same personalities that defined their careers. Ganguly remains bold and unpredictable, while Fleming continues to radiate poise and intellect.
