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NN Cricket Trivia: When 'Dada' changed the face of Indian cricket

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Subhayan Chakraborty
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The Indian cricket team is currently in England for a long tour against one of the best and in-form teams in world cricket right now. After a good start in the T-20 series, which the ‘Men in Blue’ won by 2-1, the Virat Kohli-led side was hammered in the ODI series by a resilient English side. Now as the test series approaches, we take a look at one of the best moments in Indian cricketing history, one that the fans remember and cherish till date.

The calendar was dated at 13, July 2002, when a roaring skipper, a Bengal Tiger roared in joy as India clinched the Natwest Trophy at the Lord’s against Nasser Hussain-led England side. The legend was none other than Sourav Chandidas Ganguly.

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The Beginning

It all started when England drew an ODI series early that year, precisely when a young Andrew Flintoff bowled Javagal Srinath and took his jersey off in celebration. Skip forward to 13, July 2002, and again Andrew Flintoff was bowling the final over to Zaheer Khan this time, who was on strike, Zak managed to hit the winning runs and what followed was complete euphoria, celebrations and ‘Dada’ waiving his jersey from the balcony of the 'Mecca of cricket' in what became one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history. However, Sourav Ganguly was criticised by many and praised by some as it drew mixed reactions. But the 2003 World Cup finalist once termed it as “one of the most interesting sights.”

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The Leader

While commentating during the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, Mike Atherton, a former England cricketer, labelled it as ‘One of the worst sights at the home of cricket (The Lord’s)”, and Ganguly showing his spontaneous side replied, “You think so?” Well, we believe that it must be just Mike Atherton who can call one of the most interesting sights as ‘worst’. It was the moment when India announced the world cricket – we have arrived!” Yes, this was the moment, when a hungry, young, aggressive Indian team announced to the World that they are no more the minnows, no more a broken team, and behind it was this brave man, who had the guts to break the stereotype and select the talent in which he trusted, it was none other than Sourav Ganguly. Now, when India go on to face England in the Test series after a dismal ODI series, we all hope that this team will not let their English counterparts bulldoze over them. Obviously, this team is aggressive and extremely talented as well, with a natural leader in a competitive Virat Kohli as the spine of the squad, and we all hope this squad gets a reminder that a young team came here, with no hopes, but not only did they conquer the Natwest Trophy, but they won the hearts as well. Over to you Virat Kohli and co.!

Sourav Ganguly India vs England Andrew Flintoff Natwest Trophy 2002