Sourav Ganguly's Test debut at Lord's (1996): How many runs did he score in the first innings of his debut match?

Introduction / Context:
Sourav Ganguly’s debut at Lord’s in 1996 is one of Indian cricket’s iconic moments. Debut statistics at historic venues are frequently asked in sports GK and competitive exams, particularly for players who later became captains and batting mainstays.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Venue: Lord’s, London.
• Event: Test debut, 1996 tour of England.
• Ask: First-innings score on debut.

Concept / Approach:
Ganguly’s first Test knock is remembered for elegance and composure under English conditions. The exact score is often confused between two close numbers, so careful recall is required: it was 131 in the first innings (not 132).

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Scorecards and cricket almanacs list Ganguly’s first-innings 131 at Lord’s in 1996, followed by another century at Trent Bridge in the same series, cementing his early Test credentials.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 132: A classic near-miss distractor; the official first-innings score was 131.
• 32 / 99: Not aligned with the celebrated debut-century record.

Common Pitfalls:
Treating rounded or misremembered figures as exact; mixing first-innings and match aggregate; or confusing with his next Test century on the tour.

Final Answer:
131