More than twenty years ago, in 2004, India returned to Pakistan for a full tour. It was the first visit since 1989 and, more significantly, the first bilateral series after the 1999 Kargil War. While emotions ran high and expectations reached fever pitch, the then-Indian captain Sourav Ganguly set the tone with a bold statement that still resonates in cricketing folklore.

During a press conference, a journalist had asked Ganguly how he planned to face the "Rawalpindi Express" (Shoaib Akhtar). Ganguly, with an air of confidence, famously replied, "We'll just pull the chain of that express train and move ahead."

True to his word, Ganguly led India to victory on Pakistan soil, winning both the ODI and Test series. India scripted history as it won the five-match ODI series 3-2 and the three-match Test series 2-1. During the tour, Shoaib Akhtar, who was touted as India's biggest threat, struggled to live up to the hype. It proved that Ganguly's words were not just for show, and his fearless attitude and leadership stopped the "Rawalpindi Express" from its tracks.

Later on, Shoaib would admit that he was having some problems with his run-up and needed to pick more wickets for his team. But by then the damage was done. In the Multan Test, Akhtar went wicketless, conceding 119 runs in 32 overs as India piled up a monumental 675/5. The result: an innings and 52-run win for India. Akhtar picked up nine wickets at an average of 29.33 in the ODI leg but was plagued by wides, no-balls, and inconsistent rhythm.

Despite the fierce on-field battles, Akhtar has since showered Ganguly with praise. In an interview on the Helo app, the speedster said that the former Indian captain was brave and the only opener who could face the 'Rawalpindi Express' with the new ball.

Akhtar dismissed the long-held narrative that Ganguly was afraid of express pace.

"People used to say that he was scared to face fast bowling, he was afraid to face me. I think all of that was rubbish. Sourav Ganguly was the bravest batsman I ever bowled to, the only opener who could face me with the new ball," said Akhtar.

"He knew he didn't have the shots. I also targeted him by bowling at his chest, but he never backed away and still scored runs. That is what I call bravery."

"If I talk about India, then it will be Sourav Ganguly. India hasn't produced a better captain than him. (M S) Dhoni is very good, he's a superb captain, but when you talk about team building, then Ganguly did a great job," said Akhtar.

Ganguly, one of India's most successful captains, played 113 Tests and 311 ODIs, in which he scored 7,212 and 11,363 runs, respectively.

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