If officially confirmed, Ganguly will become the 12th Indian cricketer to be included in the prestigious list, joining some of the biggest names in the history of the sport. The recognition comes as another landmark moment in a career that helped reshape Indian cricket during one of its most challenging phases.

The timing of the expected announcement is particularly significant, coinciding with Ganguly’s 54th birthday. The former left-handed batter also marked the occasion with another major development in his life story, as the first look of his upcoming biographical film, Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story, was unveiled.

The poster features actor Rajkummar Rao recreating one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history — Ganguly waving his shirt from the Lord’s balcony after India’s dramatic victory in the 2002 NatWest Trophy final. Sharing the poster on social media, Ganguly described it as one of the finest birthday gifts he could have received.

Ganguly’s contribution to Indian cricket extends far beyond statistics. He took over as captain in 2000 when Indian cricket was struggling to recover from the match-fixing controversy that had shaken the sport. At a time when public confidence in the national team was under pressure, Ganguly was entrusted with rebuilding the side and restoring its competitive spirit.

His tenure is widely remembered for backing young players who would later become pillars of Indian cricket. Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan, Mohammad Kaif and eventually Mahendra Singh Dhoni all emerged during the period when Ganguly was leading the team.

Under his leadership, India developed a more aggressive approach and began competing consistently against top international sides, both at home and overseas. The team shared the ICC Champions Trophy title in 2002, reached the final of the 2003 ODI World Cup in South Africa and recorded several memorable overseas performances.

Among the defining achievements of Ganguly’s captaincy were a drawn Test series in England, a historic Test series victory in Pakistan in 2004 and ending Australia’s remarkable run of 16 consecutive Test victories. These results helped establish India as a formidable force in world cricket.

His individual record also reflects a highly successful international career. Ganguly played 113 Test matches for India and scored 7,212 runs, including 16 centuries. In One-Day Internationals, he represented the country in 311 matches and amassed 11,363 runs with 22 centuries to his name.

Known for his elegant strokeplay on the off side, Ganguly formed one of the most successful opening partnerships in ODI history alongside Sachin Tendulkar. He also contributed with the ball, claiming 132 international wickets across formats.

After retiring from international cricket in 2008, Ganguly continued to influence the game through cricket administration. He served as president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and remains an influential figure in the sport. He is currently associated with the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).

The ICC Hall of Fame recognises players who have made exceptional contributions to cricket and left a lasting impact on the game. Ganguly’s expected induction places him alongside Indian greats such as Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Virender Sehwag, MS Dhoni, Diana Edulji and others who have previously received the honour.

For many cricket followers, the recognition serves as another acknowledgment of Ganguly’s role in transforming Indian cricket and laying the foundation for the team’s rise as a global powerhouse in the years that followed.

Rajkummar Rao Begins Shoot for Dada, Sourav Ganguly Biopic Actor officially kicks off production on one of India's most awaited sports dramas

Cameras Roll on 'Dada'

Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao has officially begun filming Dada, the highly anticipated biopic on former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly. Rao confirmed the development on Instagram, writing "And it begins… The one and onlyDADA," signalling the formal start of production. The announcement, posted on April 1, set off a wave of excitement across cricket and film circles alike.

Title Locked, Team in Place

The film is officially titled Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story and is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, reuniting him with Rao after their acclaimed 2017 collaboration Trapped. The project is produced by Luv Ranjan under Luv Films, with Ankur Garg also on board as producer. Cinematographer Siddharth Diwan completes a creative line-up known for sharp, character-driven storytelling.

Rao's Intensive Preparation

This role has been no casual undertaking for Rao. The actor previously revealed that he had gained around 9–10 kilograms for another project and was now entering a transition phase to physically prepare for his portrayal of Ganguly. He has acknowledged feeling both excited and nervous about the responsibility, describing it as a challenge he was genuinely committed to. Beyond physical conditioning, the actor is understood to be studying Ganguly's mannerisms, leadership style, and on-field presence extensively.

Why Ganguly's Story Matters

Ganguly represented India in 113 Test matches and 311 One Day Internationals, accumulating 18,575 runs across all international formats. Known as the Prince of Kolkata, he is widely credited with transforming India into an aggressive, self-believing unit on the world stage. His tenure as captain reshaped the team's identity — both on foreign soil and at home — and remains one of the most debated and celebrated chapters in the sport's history.

Ganguly Backs the Project

The subject himself has spoken positively about the casting. In an interview with PTI in July 2025, Ganguly said Rao is the right choice to portray him in the film. Earlier reports had suggested Ranbir Kapoor might have been considered for the role, but the makers ultimately finalised Rao. That the cricket legend has publicly endorsed the casting lends the project added credibility and weight.

Industry and Public Response

The shoot announcement drew an enthusiastic response, with celebrities including Neha Dhupia, Farah Khan, and Tisca Chopra extending their support online. Fans flooded Rao's social media post with congratulatory messages within hours of it going live. The muhurat ceremony, tied to Kolkata's cricketing identity, was also marked by director Motwane through a post featuring the iconic Sourav Ganguly Stand at Eden Gardens.

Rao's Packed 2026 Calendar

Rao enters the Dada shoot on the back of a busy phase. His upcoming comedy Bhool Chook Maaf, co-starring Wamika Gabbi, is set for a theatrical release on April 10. His action film Malik follows later, scheduled for June 20. With Dada now added to his active slate, the actor has positioned himself at the centre of some of the most commercially and critically significant projects in the current Hindi film landscape.

What to Expect Next

A formal release date for Dada has not been announced yet. The makers have so far adopted a measured approach, choosing not to rush disclosures beyond the title, director, and lead cast. Given the scale of Ganguly's legacy and the creative pedigree of the team involved, the biopic is expected to remain one of the most closely watched projects in Indian cinema over the coming months.