Happy Birthday Dada: Sourav Ganguly ads that prove he's still India's favourite captain

Sourav Ganguly turns 54 today, and few Indian sportspersons have translated their on-field aura into advertising success quite like him. From his early days as India's most stylish left-hander to his current stint as a cricket administrator, brands have consistently turned to Ganguly's mix of authority, charm and self-aware humour to sell everything from soft drinks to search engines.

His journey through Indian advertising mirrors his cricketing career itself: the charm of a young captain in Pepsi's "Dil Maange More," the emotional vulnerability of a man fighting to reclaim his place in the team in "Hope You Haven't Forgotten Me," and later, the comfortable self-parody of a retired legend who still commands the "Prince of Kolkata" treatment wherever he goes. Whether he was trading one-liners with Hrithik Roshan, playing a police officer with an unmistakable Dada authority, or throwing tricky "googlies" at contestants for Google, Ganguly has shown a rare ability to be in on the joke while never losing his larger-than-life appeal.

On his birthday, here is a look back at a few commercials that capture different shades of the man fans still call Dada:

Pepsi - “Hope You Haven't Forgotten Me”
Released during one of the most challenging phases of Sourav Ganguly's career, this Pepsi commercial drew inspiration from his real-life struggle to return to the Indian team. The ad references defining moments from his journey, including the iconic Lord's shirt-waving celebration, before shifting focus to his determination to make a comeback. Rather than portraying himself as a fallen star, Ganguly expresses hope, resilience, and unwavering support for Team India.

Pepsi - “Dil Maange More”
In this hilarious Pepsi commercial, Sourav Ganguly and his teammates are playing a friendly game of cricket in the African wilderness when a shot sends the ball into a nearby campsite occupied by a pride of lions. What follows is a series of comic attempts to recover the ball without getting too close to the jungle's most intimidating residents. Featuring Ganguly in his captaincy era, the commercial remains a fan favourite from the golden age of cricket advertising.

Hero Honda - “Desh Ki Dhadkan”
Bringing together cricket superstar Sourav Ganguly and Bollywood heartthrob Hrithik Roshan, Hero Honda's "Desh Ki Dhadkan" campaign captured the spirit of a young and ambitious India. The commercial playfully showcased the two icons trying to outdo each other, reflecting the confidence and competitive drive that defined the era. At a time when both Ganguly and Hrithik were at the peak of their popularity, the ad became a cultural moment, blending cricket, cinema and motorcycles into one powerful brand message. It remains one of the most memorable celebrity collaborations in Indian advertising history.

Veedol - “Veedol pe trust hai?”
In Veedol's entertaining commercial, Sourav Ganguly steps into the shoes of a police officer, bringing his trademark authority and charisma to the screen. The ad uses a law-and-order theme to highlight the importance of maintaining vehicle health, with Ganguly inspecting and questioning motorists in his own distinctive style. As the narrative unfolds, the focus shifts to the role of quality engine oil in ensuring smooth vehicle performance and long engine life. Ganguly's commanding presence, combined with light-hearted humour, helps make the brand message memorable while reinforcing Veedol's promise of reliability and protection.

Netflix - “Asli Bengal Tiger”
Sourav Ganguly has donned the police uniform more than once in advertising, and each time he has brought his trademark authority and humour to the role. While Veedol cast him as a no-nonsense police officer using his commanding presence to reinforce the brand's message of reliability, Netflix's promotional campaign for ‘Khakee: The Bengal Chapter’ took the idea a step further. In the ad, Ganguly barges onto the set and volunteers to play a fierce cop, drawing inspiration from fiery moments from his cricketing career to deliver an intense performance.

Dream11Circle - “Khud Ko Champ Samajhte Ho”
In this witty My11Circle commercial, a cricket fan passionately argues that the Indian team of 2003, led by Sourav Ganguly, was far superior to the current side. He nostalgically praises the players from that era, recalling their performances and insisting that today's team simply doesn't match up. The fan becomes increasingly animated as he defends his viewpoint, unaware that Ganguly himself is sitting in the fan’s shop. The punchline lands when Dada overhears the entire conversation and reacts to the comparison. Blending humour with cricket nostalgia, the ad celebrates Ganguly's legacy while tapping into every fan's favourite pastime: debating generations of Indian cricket.

Tetley - “Super Green Tea”
In Tetley Super Green Tea's humorous campaign, Sourav Ganguly plays on his larger-than-life public image years after retiring from international cricket. The ad shows how fans and ordinary people continue to expect extraordinary things from the former India captain, treating him as the "Prince of Kolkata" wherever he goes. Through a series of light-hearted moments, the film highlights the pressure of living up to superhuman expectations in everyday life. Ganguly's self-deprecating charm and relatability make the commercial memorable, while seamlessly tying into Tetley's "Everyday Super Humans" positioning and promoting the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.

Google - “Introducing Gangoogly, Sourav Gangoogly”
In Google's "Sourav Gangoogly" campaign, Sourav Ganguly takes on the role of a quizmaster, throwing tricky "googly" questions at unsuspecting people. From curious trivia to difficult questions about sports, entertainment, and everyday life, participants struggle to come up with the right answers. The ad then highlights how Google Search can help users quickly find reliable information when faced with such challenging queries. Playing on the word "googly" and Google's name, the campaign cleverly blends Ganguly's cricketing legacy with the search giant's ability to answer almost any question, making for an engaging and memorable commercial.