Sourav Ganguly’s Iconic Shirt-Waving Celebration at Lord’s: A Game-Changer in Indian Cricket History
In one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history, Sourav Ganguly’s shirt-waving celebration at Lord’s during the 2002 NatWest Series final remains unforgettable. The thrilling final against England saw an epic comeback by India, led by Mohammad Kaif and Yuvraj Singh, but a fresh revelation by BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla has added an interesting twist to the legendary celebration.
Speaking on a YouTube show, Shukla, who was the team manager at the time, shared how tense the atmosphere was during the run chase. England had set a daunting target of 325, thanks to centuries from Marcus Trescothick and Nasser Hussain. With India struggling at 146 for five, the situation seemed bleak. However, a sensational 121-run partnership between Yuvraj and Kaif turned the game around, and India secured victory with just three balls to spare.
Shukla recalled that Ganguly was brimming with confidence despite the high-pressure situation. Before India even stepped onto the field for the chase, the skipper reassured him, saying, “Sir, let us at least go to the field.” His belief in the team’s ability to pull off the chase proved to be crucial.
As India inched closer to victory, Ganguly had a plan to celebrate in style. He wanted the entire team to take off their shirts and wave them in the air, a move intended to respond to Andrew Flintoff’s similar celebration in Mumbai earlier that year. However, Sachin Tendulkar stepped in and advised against it. He reminded everyone that cricket was a gentleman’s game and that such a celebration might not be appropriate. Following Tendulkar’s suggestion, Shukla intervened and told Ganguly that if he wanted to do it, he could go ahead—but the rest of the team should refrain.
Ganguly went ahead with the celebration, creating an iconic image that symbolized a new era of Indian cricket. His aggressive leadership style set the tone for the Indian team in the years to come, marking the beginning of a fearless and dominant approach on the global stage. The moment remains etched in cricketing history, representing India’s rise as a competitive force in world cricket.
