15 Years Ago Today: When Sourav Ganguly Took Off His Shirt at Lord’s

London : July 13, 2002 ranks as one of India’s greatest cricket moments. Team India under Sourav Ganguly beat England in the Natwest final in a thriller. Set 326 to win, India squandered good start and were struggling at 146 for 5. Fifteen years down the line, we relive that match in which two young guns, Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif, stole the thunder from the Englishmen. Altough a terribly disappointed Yuvraj got out for 69 when India were 267-5, Kaif kept his head to take India home with just three balls and two wickets to spare.
After Sachin Tendulkar got out for 14, India were almost out of the match at 146 for 5 when Yuvraj Singh, then just 20 years, and Kaif, who was 21, kept India in the hunt with a sixth-wicket stand of 121 from 106 balls.
It was sweet revenge for India, who drew a heated ODI series against England at home 3-3 in 2001. In a famous moment, Ganguly took off his shirt and swirled it wildly standing at the balcony of the most iconic stadiums in the world – Lord’s. It was much the same way as Andrew Flintoff celebrated after beating India during England’s preceding tour of India.
While it got mixed reviews from experts, Ganguly has not regrets about what he did. Even 15 years later, Indian fans have not forgotten that eventful day. It was major turning point in the game for the nation. It taught the boys that winning abroad was not impossible and no team was unbeatable.