Indian Heroes instrumental in the NatWest Series Victory of 2002

13th July 2002- A day which would be etched in the memories of Indian fans forever. A giant score on the board, a flamboyant start, the sudden collapse, and a partnership for the ages, this game was as dramatic as Shakespeare's literary artwork. Topped by euphoric celebrations of Sourav Ganguly.

The series in many ways was path-breaking for Indian cricket. It laid the foundation of a fearless team under Ganguly, a team which would later dominate sides at their own backyard from this inspired performance. It was also a stepping stone for a successful World Cup campaign that would follow in South Africa.

The decision to have batting depth till 7, and fulfilling the fifth bowler's quota from part timers, Ganguly's tactical prowess seemed to have shown a new path to the world. It also unleashed a prodigy of Indian cricket in the form of Yuvraj Singh, who would later be instrumental in two World Cup wins.

As the win completes its 16th anniversary, we have a look at the heroes of the tournament for India.

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#5 Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid provided stability to the Indian middle order

Rahul Dravid was given the wicket-keeping duties in the Natwest series. He also formed a vital cog in the middle order, coming in to bat at No.5, and had the responsibility of propelling the innings.

Dravid formed an instrumental part of the Indian victory on the English turf, as he made significant and consistent contributions with the bat. Along with Sachin Tendulkar, the veteran made most of the platform laid by the openers, which provided the opportunity for onslaught towards the end.

Dravid's stature as a technically profound batsman ushered a sense of calmness and stability in the batting line up, which laid the foundation of the victories.

He also proved crucial with his glovework, as he consistently converted the chances created by the spinners. With the great fielder that he is, The Wall effected 9 dismissals in the 6 matches that he played.

Rahul Dravid finished as India's third highest run-getter in the series, which included a half century in a low scoring thriller.

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Rahul Dravid in Natwest Series:-

Matches:6 Runs:245 Average:49 50s:3 Best:82

Catches:6 Stumpings: 3

#4 Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin was India's highest run-getter

The Master was the standout Indian batsman in the tournament. He batted in the middle order, and formed the mainstay of the Indian batting line up along with Rahul Dravid.

Sachin was in very good form throughout the tournament, as he troubled the opposition bowlers in almost every match. He stitched vital partnerships with Dravid, and his contributions were indispensable in posting mammoth totals on the board.

Tendulkar finished as India's highest run getter, and the tournament's second highest, notching two centuries on the course. Apart from this, he also chipped in with a few overs of economical off spin, when required by the team.

Though Sachin could not get going in the final, he was one of the main forces that propelled the team to the final.

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Sachin Tendulkar in Natwest Series

Matches:7 Runs:337 Average:56 100s:2 Best:113

#3 Zaheer Khan

ZAK finished as tournament's highest run-getter

One of the most loved and successful bowlers in Indian history, Zaheer Khan scored the most important runs of the tournament, hitting the winning runs that scripted a landmark victory at The Lord's. However, his contribution to the Indian campaign was much more than that.

Khan was the pick of the bowlers in the Natwest series, as he finished as the highest wicket taker with 14 scalps. Though India found a new bowling hero in every match, he was a regular leader for the Indian bowling line up, with his disciplined approach upfront.

The left-arm seamer also picked 3 wickets in the final, including the prized scalp of Andrew Flintoff, thereby minimizing the damage towards the end of the English innings.

Notwithstanding an economy slightly towards the higher side, Zaheer Khan was pivotal in India's victory in the Natwest Series.

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Zaheer Khan in Natwest Series:-

Matches:7 Wickets:14 Average: 23.57 Economy: 5.64 Best: 3/48

#2 Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif held his nerve to play a final-winning knock

Mohammad Kaif was the author of the Indian fairytale at Lord's on one of the golden days for Indian Cricket. It was a herculean effort by Kaif and Yuvraj that took India cross the line.

Kaif, who had made it to the national side on the back of his U19 heroics,did have the best of the tournaments in the group stage. Batting at No.7, he could just manage 87 runs from 6 matches.

However, he announced his arrival on the global stage in the all-important final. Chasing a mammoth 326 for victory, India had been in the driver's seat, with 100-0 in 14 overs. However, calamity struck in the form of Ronnie Irani and Ashley Giles as the innings collapsed to 146-5.

The game switched fortunes once again as the former U19 captain walked in to bat. Kaif stitched a match winning 121 run partnership with Yuvraj Singh, and batted cleverly with the tailenders. He took calculative risks, keeping his nerve till the end.

Kaif exhibited grit and class in his knock of 87*, which etched a milestone of Indian dominance on the Mecca of Cricket.

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Mohammad Kaif in Natwest Series:-

Matches:7 Runs:174 Average:87 50s:1 Best:87*

#1 Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh's all round effort was instrumental in the series win

Yuvraj Singh proved to be most important player in the Indian line-up in the Natwest Series. He played the role of a destructive finisher, and was pretty handy with the ball. With his electrifying fielding, Yuvraj had a perfect blend of qualities and was a game-changer for India.

He made vital contributions in almost all of the group matches; with a standout all-round effort against the hosts England in the first match. Yuvi was the driving force that propelled India in the final.

But Yuvraj had saved the best for the last. His most important contribution came in the final, as he proved his mettle as a big-stage performer. He scored at a brisk pace along with Mohammad Kaif, as India snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Yuvraj notched his highest score of the series in the final, and by the time he departed, Yuvi had given his team a fighting chance to win the final.

Yuvraj finished as India's second highest run-getter in the tournament, and third overall. It was this performance that unleashed his talent at the global stage, which later established him as one of the main stalwarts of the Indian limited overs squad in the decade to come.

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Yuvraj Singh in Natwest Series:-

Matches:7 Runs:254 Average:50.8 50s:2 Best:69

Wickets:5 Average:21.2 Economy:5.6 Best:3/39