'Dada was running short on the hair side those days' - Graeme Smith recalls Sourav Ganguly's iconic shirt-waving celebration

The sight of an animated Sourav Ganguly unfurling his jersey in Lord’s balcony remains one of the most iconic moments of Indian cricket. ‘Dada’ was someone who was famous for his never-look-back attitude and aggressive approach on the field.

When India clinched the victory in the 2002 NatWest trophy final against England, Ganguly didn’t hold back from expressing his emotions as took off his shirt and started celebrating.

India had lost 9 consecutive tournament finals in the lead up to Natwest series in 2002. To plunge more misery, England had posted a massive total of 325 on the board. Ganguly had hit a quickfire 60 during a 100-plus opening stand with Virender Sehwag but the Men in Blue lost five wickets in quick succession and the sword of defeat started looming in no time.

However, two youngsters– Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif– steered the ship and cruised India to the victory while stitching a 121-run match-winning stand. Kaif remained unbeaten on 87 while Yuvraj hit a crucial 69.

Remembering Ganguly’s iconic celebration, former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith highlighted that it showcased what winning overseas meant to the former India skipper. He also heaped praise on Ganguly’s passion towards the game.

It showed how much India winning meant to him: Graeme Smith

Smith also added that he has a chuckle every time he watches ‘Dada’ waving his shirt as Ganguly was ‘running short on the hair side those days’.

“I think all of us remember that celebration, it was a beautiful sight, seeing Dada [Ganguly]. More than anything besides the humour of it all, it was the passion that he showed in celebration,” Smith said on Star Sports’ Cricket Connect show.

“It showed how much India winning meant to him and to overcome the challenge of winning the NatWest Trophy in England, to win away from home, driving Indian cricket forward. I think that shot epitomises everything we have discussed today.

“But I do have a chuckle every time I see it now. Also, Dada was running short on the hair side on those days, so it is a very humorous shot. But from a passion perspective, that speaks volumes,” added Smith.