Indian Cricket — ODI Debuts and Milestones When did Sourav Ganguly make his One Day International (ODI) debut? Provide the exact date in the format DD Month YYYY.
Correct Answer: 11 January 1992
Introduction / Context:Cricket history questions test factual recall of dates, venues, and career milestones. This item focuses on Sourav Ganguly's One Day International (ODI) debut, a foundational detail often asked in sports General Knowledge exams and quizzes.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The player in question is Sourav Ganguly, former India captain.
- We need the precise ODI debut date.
- Options list several dates; only one matches the official record.
Concept / Approach:The approach is documentary verification: rely on authenticated cricket records (match archives, national board summaries, and long-standing almanac-style references). For GK solving, cross-checking player career timelines (debut vs. first major series) is key.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify Ganguly's earliest ODI appearance in official records.Step 2: Note the date associated with that ODI debut.Step 3: Compare the recorded date with each option provided.Step 4: Select the date that exactly matches the authoritative record.Verification / Alternative check:Cross-reference Ganguly's career narrative: he first appeared in ODIs in early 1992 during the Benson & Hedges World Series in Australia. That series timing aligns with mid-January 1992, confirming the debut as 11 January 1992.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- 20 March 1993: By this time Ganguly had already debuted; this date is unrelated to his first ODI.
- 1 December 1987: Predates his international career; not plausible.
- 1 June 1998: Much later; by 1998 Ganguly was already an established ODI player.
- None of the above: Incorrect because one listed date is accurate.
Common Pitfalls:Candidates often confuse ODI and Test debuts, or mix up the exact day with the month/year. Some also misremember 1996 (Test debut) as the ODI debut year. Always separate formats and verify series context.
Final Answer:11 January 1992