CT 2017: India's best moments in Champions Trophy history

2. Champions Trophy 2002

2002 was without a doubt a memorable year for India in the Champions Trophy. Seeking their maiden Champions Trophy title, India looked quite the decisive team. They faced off against England in a virtual quarter-final as the winner would progress to the semis. Alec Stewart’s effort – his 82 came off 68 balls – helped England post 269 on the board.

In order to reinforce their middle order, India dropped Sachin Tendulkar down to number four. As a result, Ganguly found a new opening partner in Virender Sehwag. The duo played some cautious cricket before Sehwag launched an onslaught of sheer power. Ganguly, however, remained subdued, as he preferred knocking the ball around for singles.

Sehwag played in his typical no-nonsense mood, as he kept depositing the ball into the stands. He brought up his half-century off just 37 balls, almost in T20-esque fashion. Skipper Ganguly, however, played quite the contrasting innings, getting to 13 off 26 deliveries.

Sehwag’s dismissal prompted a standing ovation from the Premadasa. India were well ahead at that point, with 192 on the board and just 29 overs done and dusted. Sehwag had stormed to 126 off 104 balls. Meanwhile, Ganguly had crawled to his fifty.

Ganguly then put the foot on the pedal, and out came his dominance and authority. He got to his hundred and saw his side through with a six and a four. India had gunned down 270 as though it was a cakewalk. They had truly blown the English away.

 Semi-final

The scene then moved to a heart-stopping semi-final where India took on a professional South African side. They eventually snatched a stunning 10-run victory over South Africa and made their way to their second final of the Champions Trophy.

India posted 261 in the first innings, with sizable contributions from Sehwag, Dravid and Yuvraj. In reply, Graeme Smith perished early, courtesy of a blinder by Yuvraj Singh. Kallis then joined Gibbs to keep the run-chase under the Proteas’ control. Meanwhile, Herschelle Gibbs batted without the slightest hint of discomfort; he raced to 116, with South Africa needing just under 70 runs in 13 overs. But discomfort did strike Gibbs as he was forced to retire hurt with severe body cramps.

South Africa then underwent a collapse of sorts. It boiled down to Kallis needing 21 off the final over to see his side home. He smashed Sehwag for a six to start the 50th. As he tried to repeat the shot, he top edged one to the keeper.

The onus was now on Lance Klusener to do the big hitting. Unfortunately for him and South Africa, Klusener wasn’t to be the hero. In hindsight, 262 proved enough for India to register a famous victory.

Final

Cut to the all-important final. Two of Asia’s giants met to battle it out for the Champions Trophy. Unfortunately for both teams, the match – or should I say both matches – was remembered for all the wrong reasons. Rain quashed hopes of what could have been a fabulous final. The hosts put up 244 in 50 overs. India responded with 14-0 when rain played interrupted play.

Luckily for both teams, the tournament had a reserve day in hand. India and Sri Lanka were back on the next morning as a déjà-vu loomed over Colombo. Sri Lanka once again won the toss, and choosing to bat first, scored 222 in their first innings. 8 overs into the chase, the rain gods once again decided to play spoilsport for the second time. Distant thunderclaps were accompanied by flashes of lightning. The monsoon downpour had the final say, leaving India stranded at 38/1. Sourav Ganguly and Sanath Jayasuriya went on to share the trophy. All said and done, India had some part of the silverware in their closet.