From Ganguly’s Balcony to Shubman Gill’s Bat: Kaif Connects the Dots

July 13, 2025: Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif took a nostalgic trip down memory lane on July 13, marking 23 years since India’s iconic NatWest tri-series win at Lord’s in 2002. Recalling the epic chase and the raw aggression led by then-skipper Sourav Ganguly, Kaif drew striking parallels with current Test captain Shubman Gill, who is making waves with his fearless approach.

Back in 2002, Kaif and Yuvraj Singh’s heroics scripted one of India’s most dramatic victories, chasing down 326 in a packed Lord’s stadium. Ganguly’s iconic shirt-waving celebration from the balcony has since become a symbol of India’s cricketing aggression. “This July 13 is special. Dada led us to the NatWest title with aggression and ambition. Now 23 years later, Shubman Gill’s doing the same with his young team,” Kaif wrote on X.

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India’s run-chase had started with a blistering opening stand between Ganguly (60) and Sehwag (45), but soon collapsed to 146/5. It was then that Kaif (87*) and Yuvraj (69) stitched a stunning partnership that tilted the game in India’s favor. The win became a defining moment in India’s cricketing journey and showcased the grit of a new generation.

Now, in the 2025 England tour, Shubman Gill is leading from the front with similar aggression. His twin knocks of 269 and 161 at Birmingham secured India’s first-ever win at the venue, echoing the same ambition Kaif and Yuvraj displayed decades ago. Kaif’s comparison not only celebrates the past but signals a bold future led by Gill.