Sourav Ganguly recalls how VVS Laxman tried to prevent him from removing his shirt at Lord's place

Sourav Ganguly Celebrates India's Victory Against England in Lord & # 39; s . (Express Archive)

Prior to India 's five – match series against England, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly recalled his historic celebrations to Lord' s balcony after defeating him. England in the Natwest series finale in 2002. Confiding in Gaurav Kapoor -series Breakfast with champions, aged 46, said that VVS Laxman tried to prevent him from Take off his shirt. "I was standing on the right side." VVS Laxman was on my left and Harbhajan Singh was behind my back, so while I was pulling off my T-shirt, VVS tried to tell me, "Do not do that, Do not do this! "After removing my shirt, Bhajji asked me," What am I doing now? "" You bhi khol from ! " Ganguly

The former southpaw drummer added that the idea came to him just after India hunted the total of 325. "Idea came to mind just for the moment. I remembered that Andrew Flintoff had taken off his shirt at Wankhede to celebrate a series 3-3 draw before, and I thought why not do the same thing at Lord's. "

He adds that he feels a little embarrbaded about the incident now." But I am also embarrbaded by the incident. My daughter asked, "Why did you do that? Is it necessary to do this in cricket? "And I had to tell him," No, I did it once by mistake. "There's something going on in life where you have no control," he said.

Ganguly continued to talk about former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and said that he immediately recognized his talent. "MS Dhoni came in 2004. He beat at No. 7. We went to Vizag against Pakistan.In the meeting, I was thinking how to make him a player.Because I recognized that he was really strong, and I said, "Come on, fight at No. 3." And he said, "What about you?" And I said to him, "I'm going to hit No. 4, you go to above me. "He scored 170 points in this game," he said.

"I feel happy to see MS because there are not too many East cricketers." And two captains from India emerged from this. Part of the country – I played 450 games, Dhoni played 500. So, I feel happy to see him today. "

The former drummer continued to congratulate him on the day. Current Indian. Captain Virat Kohli, and said that India expects a lot from the age of 29. "When Virat Kohli plays, I think you have to see him bat, no matter where you are.When you see him, it looks like he wants his players to form the best team." He focuses on the form physical, he brought the test yo-yo People may criticize but there is a reason for that.The sport has become focused on fitness, "he said.

"I have a lot of expectations from Virat, and I hope he can win the Test Series against England." The country has faith in him. "

The first test between India and England will begin in Edgbaston from 1 August.

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