‘This wasn't a surprise’ - Sachin Tendulkar congratulates Sourav Ganguly after ICC Hall of Fame induction

Former India batting great Sachin Tendulkar penned a heartfelt message for long-time teammate and close friend Sourav Ganguly after the latter was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.

The special honour came on Ganguly's 54th birthday, making the occasion even more memorable. While the International Cricket Council (ICC) is yet to officially announce the latest batch of inductees, Ganguly confirmed the news through a post on social media.

Reacting to the development, Tendulkar recalled their decades-long friendship and congratulated the former India captain on the prestigious recognition.

"There aren't too many surprises left after knowing each other since we were 14. This wasn't one either. Congratulations @SGanguly99. So happy to see you in the @ICC Hall of Fame!" Tendulkar wrote on X.

There aren't too many surprises left after knowing each other since we were 14. This wasn't one either.Congratulations @SGanguly99. So happy to see you in the @ICC Hall of Fame! https://t.co/gGFogVBoqD

Earlier, Ganguly had expressed his gratitude to the ICC and ICC Chairman Jay Shah after becoming only the 10th Indian cricketer to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

"Thank you ICC and Chairman Jay Shah @JayShah for inducting me in the hall of fame .. it's a huge honour ..One of the 10 Indians to be inducted in the hall of fame ever .. Amazing to be a part of some great names .. @bcci," Ganguly posted on X.

Ganguly remains one of the most influential captains in Indian cricket history. He took over the leadership during one of the toughest phases for Indian cricket and instilled a fearless approach that helped the team compete consistently overseas.

The left-handed batter finished his international career with 18,575 runs in 424 matches, including 38 centuries and 107 half-centuries. He scored 7,212 runs in 113 Tests and 11,363 runs in 311 ODIs, establishing himself as one of India's finest batters.

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As captain, Ganguly led India in 196 international matches, registering 97 victories. His tenure included memorable achievements such as India's famous 2001 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph over Australia, the country's maiden Test series win in Pakistan in 2004, and appearances in the finals of the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy and the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup.