Iconic Moments in Cricket

I love cricket. I am an Indian. Cricket runs in our blood. It is not a word, it is an emotion. It is not a game, it is a religion.

Why?

If I have to say all the reasons to why I like cricket, I will have to make another post, because there are so many reasons!

Warning: Anyone who has not watched cricket or doesn't know much about cricket must stop reading now because you are not going to understand this post. Sorry, guys.

Cricket has everything. It is a live-action game that always leaves me at the edge of my seat. It has a side of drama to it. There are moments that practically melt our hearts. There are also moments which makes us jump in the air.

This post is to show some of my favorite moments in cricket. These moments are in no particular order.

When Dhoni let Kohli have the Winning Shot

Dhoni has a knack for hitting the winning runs with a six. This particular match was against South Africa during the Semi-Finals of ICC T-Twenty World Cup 2014.

Virat had scored a splendid 67 off 42 balls when Yuvraj got out and Dhoni came to the crease. With two runs needed off the last eight balls, Virat had taken a single. This brought then-skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on strike for the last ball of the 19th over.

Virat laughed knowing that once again MSD is going to finish the game. Even though MSD was bowled a clean paced ball which he could have easily sent it flying into the stands, he played a defensive shot which let Virat come back on strike for the last over.

Kohli had a look that said What? while the smiling skipper went to the non-striker end.

This was a "gift" from the skipper for Kohli batting so well in the innings. Kohli didn't waste the gift. He smashed a beautiful four towards the square.

Virat Bowing to Sachin after a Half Century

This incident happened during an India-Pakistan World T20 match. Kohli scored an unbeaten 55 on the 119 chase against Pakistan.

As soon as he completed his half-century, Virat Kohli celebrated in a unique way that gives me goosebumps even today. Kohli bowed to "God of Cricket" Sachin Tendulkar, who was also present at the stadium.

In the post match interview, Kohli said, “I started playing cricket watching him. So to do it in front of 67,000 people with him celebrating, it was a great feeling,”.

Virat Kohli went from watching Sachin play on Tv to being his teammate. If that isn't success, I don't know what is.

Sachin also tweeted later that day, "Thank you for the innings and gesture @imVkohli!"

Virat's Flying Kisses

Upon reaching his 9th Test century, Kohli blew kisses to his girlfriend Anushka Sharma, who was present at the stadium.

Later, after Kohli had reached 150, Anushka gave him a standing ovation.

Upon reaching 150, Kohli again sent a flying kiss. Not to Anushka, but to his longtime rival Jhonson. (Talk about sass lol)

Matthew Hayden, on commentary, joked, "She must be jealous".

Sachin's 100th ODI Century

If Cricket is a religion, then Sachin is God.

After 200 Test Matches, 464 ODI matches, 310 First-class matches, and 551 LA matches, Sachin finally reached the milestone that no one has ever crossed.

Sachin Tendulkar became the first batsman to make 100 international centuries.

Despite making such a big accomplishment, there was no over-the-top celebration. He took off his helmet and then, there was a small wave of the bat. He looked up at the sky, as he usually does on reaching a hundred. He acknowledged his teammates by raising his helmet towards the dressing room. Several of the Bangladesh fielders congratulated him, as the decibel level in the packed stadium reached new highs.

A fitting end to a great career. It is not only an unforgettable moment for all Indians, but also to every man/ player in Cricket, may of whom took to Twitter to send out their congratulations to the greatest man they have ever played with.

When Dhoni forgot he was not Captain anymore

MS Dhoni not playing as captain is something we are not used to seeing. Earlier in 2017, MSD handed over the ODI and T20I reigns to Virat Kohli.

However, old habits die hard.

The England Vs India home series, Dhoni's first match as not a captain, left some bittersweet memories for MSD'ians all over the country.

Dhoni was seen setting the field even though he was not the Captain.

During the series, he once asked for a review as soon as he saw that the ball was on impact for an lbw! But, however, it was not his call to ask for a DRS as he was not the Captain. He then quickly realized his mistake and laughed sheepishly. Virat laughed it off and then, trusted MDS's instincts and called for the DRS/

Once a captain, always a captain.

Yuvraj Six Sixes

Anyone knows better than to sledge India. While many batsmen get fired up after a sledging and make a mistake, India does the exact opposite.

You sledge India, it is gonna end up with either a four or a six.

One of the biggest examples of that is when Yuvraj Singh hit 6 sixes in an over.

It all started with a furious exchange of words between Yuvraj-Flintoff, which charged Yuvraj and he fired all cylinders up. Poor Broad got the shallow end a stick.

First delivery was swung over midwicket for a massive six.
The second ball was flicked behind square for six more.
On the third delivery, Yuvraj backed away and carved the ball over the covers.
The fourth delivery was a full toss which was slashed over backward point.
Fifth delivery was sent over midwicket for his fifth six.
Sixth delivery was a half-volley which Yuvraj smashed the ball over midwicket to make it six sixes in a single over.

The crowd went mad in celebrating a 12-ball half-century, the fastest in T20I!

If that doesn't scream "Thug Life", I don't know what else does. This memory still fresh in every Indian Cricket Fan’s Mind!

Virat Kohli - Faulkner Sledging

This is another example of why it is a bad idea to sledge against Indian Cricketers.

In this particular match, Faulkner was bowling to Virat Kohli who had made 3 dot balls on one over. Faulkner tried to taunt him to make a mistake by saying "Having fun, are we?"

For this, Virat Kohli replied "I have smashed you enough in my life. Go, bowl."

This exchange fired up Kohli who sent the next ball to a four easily.

While Faulkner was looking ash-faced, Virat Kohli calmly said, "Pass a slip back there."

Hilarious.

Cheeky Comments

There are so many hilarious mic recording of Dhoni and other Indian Players at the strike. But, this one is one of my favorites.

Once Kohli and Rahane were both fast approaching their hundreds in a Test Match. Mitchel Johnson was brought back to the attack and they both decided to go after him. They tamed him very easily and during that spell, Johnson crossed 100 run mark for that innings.

At that point, Kohli, who was on the non-striker end, told Rahane "Iska bhi century ho gaya hai!" (Translation: "He too reached his century")

Dhoni Trolling Reporters

Dhoni has plenty to offer to every cricket fans.

Apart from insane wicketkeeping skills and a helicopter shot that is a beauty to watch, he also gives us incredible laughter during post match conferences where he says something cheeky.

Dhoni was facing a lot of criticism as to whether he should retire or not, considering his age. The then-skipper probably got tired of this question.

“Come here, let’s have some fun,” MS Dhoni said after an Australian reporter asked whether he will continue playing after India was knocked out of the ICC World Twenty20. Again.

Dhoni made the reporter sit beside him, put his hand on the reporter’s shoulder and asked,
(MSD - Mahendra Singh Dhoni, R - Reporter)

MSD: You want me to retire?
R: Not that I want. That’s what I want to ask you.
MSD: Do you think I am unfit?
R: No.
MSD: How is my running?
R: You’re very fast.
MSD: Do you think I can survive till 2019 world cup?
R: Yes. Sure. Yes
MSD: You have your answer.

I don't think anyone is going to ask Dhoni that question again anytime soon.

Another incident was when an Austrian Reporter asked Dhoni whether he misses home.

"Well, yeah. This has been a long tour. We have been here 4 months. 20 more days and we can apply for citizenship"

Aww Dhoni, you cheeky bastard.

Dhoni's Helicopter Shot at WC 2011

Speaking about Dhoni, no can ever forget his winning six in the ICC World Cup 2011.

I can still remember the commentary as if the match happened yesterday.

Dhoni finishes off in style. A magnificent strike into the crowd. India lifts the world cup after 28 years. The party starts in the dressing room. And it's the Indian Captain who has been absolutely magnificent in the night of the final.

Those were the words which came out of an overjoyed Ravi Shastri after Dhoni hit that magnificent six to give India a memory which every Indian would cherish for his/her lifetime. No matter how much time passes, the memory of Dhoni hitting that six to Kulasekara can give goosebumps to any Indian cricket fan.

Sachin Finally Lifts the World Cup

Winning the World Cup is the ultimate dream of any young Indian cricketer. It was also the dream of Sachin Tendulkar. The 2011 World Cup was his sixth and last world cup. He was hailed as the "God of Cricket" and had the respect of not just Indians but also of the cricketers and cricket fans all over the world. Yet, the fact that he couldn't lift the World Cup, haunted him. The passion that Indian Cricketers during the Worl Cup 2011 was mostly fueled by their need to give Sachin this one last gift before he retired.

Even though Sachin got knocked out for 18 runs by Malinga in the final, the team played for him and gave him a treasure that he deserved more than anyone else.

Watching Sachin lift the World Cup with tear-filled eyes will be a touching and satisfying moment for every Indian cricketer and cricket fan.

"Tendulkar has carried the burden of the nation for 21 years; It was time we carried him."
- Virat Kohli

Ganguly's Guts

After India won against England in a heated run at Lion's, everyone celebrated the win in a unique way. (Note: It was at the point in cricket where India couldn't win overseas series much)

Ganguly took off his shirt and swirled it wildly, in the same way, Andrew Flintoff had done so after beating India at India.

While the move was heavily criticized, Ganguly has not shown any regret about what he did. That's Dada for you. No one could ever do something like this at Lion's (A ground considered sacred in the world of Cricket) except Dada.

It taught the boys that winning abroad was not impossible and no team was unbeatable.

It requires guts, something the man has always possessed. Every Indian would agree. You can not get a more aggressive captain or a person with more guts than our beloved Dada.

Ganguly was commenting on Eng vs NZ during the 2017 Champions Trophy when Kumar Sangakkara said, "Let just hope Flintoff (He had come to the match as a spectator) doesn't take off his shirt. Ganguly. Will. Not. Like. It."

Ganguly laughed it off like the champ he is.

Dravid vs Brett Lee

You cannot talk about Indian Cricket without mentioning Sachin, Ganguly, and Dravid.

If there ever was a player who truly embodied the essence of Cricket, it was Rahul Dravid. In the game of Cricket, Rahul Dravid stood as a synonym for Gentleman - The Gentleman of the Gentleman's Game. From flying economic class to reusing two shirts through an entire tour, this is a man is someone who cannot be disliked by anyone. He had rejected two doctorates from two different Universities stating that he would rather "earn a Ph.D. through research than being offered one."

Brett Lee is someone who can bowl pace with fire and aggression. Some might consider him to be a rival of Dravid.

This incident happened during the fourth and final Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Series.

Batting on 91, the Rahul Dravid was hit by a nasty bouncer from Brett Lee which slit his right earlobe. Sourav Ganguly declared the Indian innings and motioned for Tendulkar and Dravid to come back to the pavilion.

Brett Lee approached Dravid to apologize. Dravid smiled and patted him on the back, all the while bleeding from the nasty cut.

"If you can’t get along with Dravid, then you’re struggling in life."
- Brett Lee

To earn respect like that from a rival, Dravid must have been something more brilliant than we all thought.

When Dhoni helped Faf Du Plessis

This happened in a match between South Africa and India in Mumbai. South Africans were hitting the ball out the park. Literally. de Kock lit the stage up with a hundred. Faf du Plessis carried on the momentum and scored a brilliant hundred.

However, the heat and dehydration had taken a toll on Faf Du Plessis who collapsed on the field due to a pulled hamstring. MS Dhoni, seeing this, was quick to offer him a helping hand. MSD helped Faf stretch his legs and ankle much to the relief of the South African till the physio arrived.

This is what we call sportsmanship.

Kohli Hugs a Crying De Villers

De Villiers is a wonderful batsman who has destroyed world class bowling attacks with his shots. India and South Africa had a do or die match during the Champions Trophy 2017 when India won against them comfortably by 8 wickets and 12 overs to spare.

While everyone was happy that India will be playing the semifinals, there was a part of everyone that felt bad for De Villiers. He was a player of his own class who had never lifted an ICC Trophy. Watching this happen to the No. 1 ODI Team again and again was tough to watch. But, watching De Villiers with teary eyes was even tougher to watch.

Not just for the fans (SA and Indians alike) but also for the Indian skipper Virat Kohli who went to hug him as a sweet gesture. The picture speaks a thousand words. In cricket, players may fight against each other. But, at the end of the day, all they have is utter respect for each other.