LUCKNOW: Cricket fans remember the then Indian captain Sourav Ganguly twirling his T-shirt from the Lord’s balcony after the NatWest Trophy victory in 2002. For some, it was a fitting response to Andrew Flintoff’s similar gesture in India after England’s victory. For others, it clashed with the sport’s “gentlemanly” image.Go beyond limits with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!What is less known, however, is that Ganguly initially wanted the entire team to join him – an idea that was quietly vetoed. Sachin Tendulkar.This incident was shared by BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla during the TOISA event, when he was asked about his fondest cricket memory.
Shukla said the NatWest Trophy final between India and England at Lord’s on July 13, 2002 topped his list. Then serving as team manager, he recalls the emotional roller coaster of the historic night.“It was a great team with a mix of experience and youth, and we got to the final without any problems. England scored a big score of 325 in the final, and I was getting nervous because we had to chase history to lift the trophy.“Virender Sehwag assured me there was nothing to worry about. He opened the innings with Ganguly and put on a century partnership in 14 overs. But in the next nine overs, we were 146/5.“But both young men, Muhammad Kaif And Yuvraj Singhplayed exceptionally well and scripted one of India’s most famous wins.Also read: Red Carpet, Real Heroes: TOISA unites Olympians, World Champions and ParastarsThe events that followed were equally dramatic.“Ganguly told me the team should take off their T-shirts to celebrate. But Sachin advised against it, saying it wouldn’t look appropriate. I agreed to him,” Shukla said.“But there was no stopping Ganguly. He walked alone onto the balcony at Lord’s and waved his T-shirt in the air – a moment that has since become one of the most iconic images in cricket history.”
