LUCKNOW: The image of then India captain Sourav Ganguly twirling his T-shirt on the Lord’s balcony after winning the NatWest Trophy in 2002 is still etched in the memory of cricket lovers. For some, it was a fitting response to a similar move by Andrew Flintoff in India after England’s win. For others, it conflicts with the sport’s “gentlemanly” image.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!However, what is less known is that Ganguly initially wanted the entire team to join him, but the idea was quietly nixed. Sachin Tendulkar.BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla shared this anecdote when asked about his most cherished cricket memory during a TOISA event.
Shukla said the NatWest Trophy final between India and England at Lord’s on July 13, 2002, was his top priority. The team manager at the time recalled the emotional roller coaster of that historic night.“It was a great team, experienced and young, and we got to the final without any problems. In the final, England scored a staggering 325 and I started to panic because we had to chase history to lift the trophy.“Virender Sehwag assured me that 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 9 overs, we were 146/5.“But these two young men, Mohammad Kaif and Yuvraj Singhplayed exceptionally well and produced one of India’s most famous victories. “Also read: Red carpet, real heroes: TOISA unites Olympians, world champions and disabled starsThe celebrations that followed were equally dramatic.“Ganguly asked me to ask the team to take off their T-shirts to celebrate. But Sachin advised against it, saying it looked inappropriate. I agreed with him,” Shukla said.“But no one could stop Ganguly. He walked alone to the Lord’s balcony and waved his T-shirt in the air – a moment that went on to become one of the most iconic images in cricket history.”
