Not many can relate a sport to emotions, many feel it’s just a game but for those who live and breathe the game everyday, it’s more than just a game. The multitude of emotions that cricketers show on the field is a mirror to the situation they find themselves in. Some are good at hiding their feelings, while some wear their hearts at their sleeves. You could look at Virat Kohli and know exactly where India stands while you could look at MS Dhoni and die wondering. Tears, smiles, dance- we have seen it all. Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting celebrations in the past.
Windies celebrate T20 WC win with “Gangnam” style, 2012
Is it possible to match West Indies in terms of the flair, charisma and celebrations? The answer is quite simple. The calypso kings are the most entertaining team in T20, and they have managed to win more T20 world cups than any other nation. 2012 was special though, as it was their first world cup win. Not many considered them as serious contenders. They have always been known as more of entertainers but the tides changed in the world cup. They took everyone by the storm and after they defeated Sri Lanka convincingly in the finals, what followed was the “Gangnam” style. Led by Chris Gayle, the whole team danced the way only they can and it was the most incredible celebration one can hope to see.
Pakistan doing push-ups at Lord’s, 2016
Not often do we see the Pakistan team united and celebrating like this but they took the world by storm after a historic victory against England at Lord’s. As a tribute to their army, they performed a number of push-ups followed by a military style salute. The joy was evident and so was the respect for their army. Misbah’s side had gone to army boot camp before the tour to work on their fitness and cater to the injury concerns. The win was satisfying in a lot of ways. It displayed unity, courage, passion and skill – things that have been missing in them for a while now. Many believe this victory will change the complexion of Pakistan cricket and they might well be right which makes these celebrations even sweeter.
Ganguly goes shirtless at Lord’s, 2002
326 runs to chase down, India tottering at 146-5. Two young novices at the crease- Yuvraj and Kaif. You wouldn’t blame any Indian fan if they switched off the television at that stage. But, if they did, they missed one of India’s most historic run chases in the history led by two resolute youngsters who proved that nothing is impossible in this game. Captain Ganguly, one of the most fiery characters the game has ever seen vent out his emotions for the world to see as he was extremely proud of his side at that moment. Turning around a hapless situation into a historic Natwest series win was a fairy tale and Ganguly swung his shirt in the air out of sheer joy as he went shirtless without a care in the world. It was great to see the game bring out such emotions as the victory meant a lot to him and his team.
England team urinates at the Oval, 2013
This is one celebration that everyone deemed disgraceful and an insult to the game of cricket. England, overjoyed with their Ashes win, found an “unorthodox” way to celebrate. A few hours after the win, a number of players, including Broad, Anderson, Pietersen allegedly returned to the pitch to take turns urinating while the teammates cheered them on. This celebration created a wave of controversies all across the world shifting the spotlight from the win. England outplayed Australia in the series and the win was well deserved. Celebrations are a part of the game but they have to be within the spirit of the game and England, somehow lost all their sense of surroundings at that moment. It was disappointing to see and one can be sure that such a sight would never return to cricket.
Emotions ran high as India won the 2011 World Cup
Wankhede, 2011, World Cup Final, MS Dhoni on strike. MS Dhoni powering the ball over a long on for the world cup winning six – It’s a sight no Indian will ever forget, it’s a sight that made us proud, something that’ll be etched in our memories forever. It wasn’t a typical celebration by any stretch of imagination. No dances, no extravagant affairs, it was pure joy. There was no Indian cricketer on the ground who didn’t have tears of joy. Interviews were hard as they found it difficult to convert their emotions into words as it was something indescribable to them. Wankhede was over flooded with a sea of emotions and so was the nation. The cherry on top came when the youngsters of Indian team carried Sachin Tendulkar on their shoulders and took a lap of the ground. The legend had carried the team for so many years and it was time the youngsters carried him on their shoulders as a tribute to him. They had won the cup for him and the whole country was proud of them.