This day that year: Remembering ‘Dadagiri’ at Lord’s

On July 13, 2002, a picturesque moment was given to Indian cricket. Then Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly had taken off his shirt to celebrate India’s victory at Lord’s final. One year before the Natwest series, Andre Flintoff had taken off his shirt in Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium. As a result, Ganguly was charged up to give it back at Lord’s.

Exactly fifteen years ago, a picturesque moment was given to Indian cricket. After winning the ODI series against England on a Saturday afternoon at Lord’s, Sourav Ganguly took off his shirt on the balcony.

Ganguly’s shirt swing not only gave an identity to Indians but also to the famous stadium in World cricket – Lord’s.

The Natwest series fought between India and England is one of the most celebrated Indian win at the overseas matches.

Chasing the massive target of 325, India got a good start. Ganguly along with Virender Sehwag put up a partnership of 106 runs by 14.3 overs. But the twist in the tale came after India lost their middle order. India were 146 for five wickets after 24 overs.

Ganguly who had faced two defeats previously in finals against England was ready to face another loss after the middle order collapse.

But the young lads Yuvraj Singh and Mohammed Kaif did not leave the fight. They continued to hit boundaries now and then. Even before England could realise that they are slowly losing the match, a partnership of 121 runs was built for the sixth wicket.

After losing Yuvraj Singh, the game started to lean towards England again. The final drama began when Andrew Flintoff sent Harbhajan and Kumble in 48th over.

Kaif, the only settled batsmen, had to fill in confidence for Zaheer Khan to keep hopes alive.

Finally, when the match came to the last ball of the second innings, Zak gave the winning moment for India, and it’s ecstatic captain Ganguly who took off his shirt.

The victory is remembered even today not because it was the win against England. But also because Ganguly was able to take revenge.

In the previous year, during a match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Andrew Flintoff had taken off his shirt, and Ganguly was pumped up in Lord’s to give it back.