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From Ravindra Jadeja`s Sword To Sourav Ganguly`s Shirt Swing, Top 10 Unforgettable Celebrations In Cricket - In Pics
Since the advent of live telecasts in cricket, celebrations in the sport have become more extravagant and entertaining. With the rise of cash-rich leagues around the world, signature celebrations have also made their way into the international scene. Cricket has evolved from being a gentleman's sport, with players now openly expressing their emotions on the field. This trend of vibrant celebrations shows no signs of fading away, as the new generation of players embraces it. Aggressive celebrations are no longer limited to fast bowlers; players from all positions now contribute to the spectacle. As long as the game's spirit remains intact, the added excitement that fills stadiums and boosts revenues will not be a concern for the International Cricket Council (ICC). Let's take a quick look at some unforgettable celebrations that certain players have made their trademarks.
Sheldon Cottrells Army Salute:
Sheldon Cottrell, known for his animated presence on the field, pays tribute to his colleagues and senior officers in the Jamaican defense force by performing an army salute. His head straight march, rigid salute, and arched embrace after taking a wicket are captivating and add a touch of salt to the wounds of outfoxed batsmen.
Gangnam Style/Champion Dance by Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, and others:
The West Indian players, particularly Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo, bring their own swagger to celebrations. Gayle's rendition of "Gangnam Style" during the 2012 World T20 victory and Bravo's dance to his own single, "Champion," create an electrifying atmosphere. When these two play together on the international stage, the fun is taken to the next level.
Sachin Tendulkars Thanks to the Heavens:
A cricket legend, Sachin Tendulkar, has a unique celebration where he looks towards the skies and removes his helmet, expressing gratitude for his achievement whenever he scores a hundred or its multiples. He credits his father for his success and considers the heavens a way to honor him. For his devoted fans, it symbolizes their God, "The Superman from India," returning to his celestial origins.
Ravindra Jadejas Swords Dance:
Ravindra Jadeja, known for his fearless approach to the game, celebrates his individual batting milestones with a swords dance. This celebration showcases his Rajputana roots and swordsmanship. Initially, it appeared amusing, but over time, Jadeja has perfected it into a signature celebration.
Brett Lees Chainsaw:
Australian fast bowler Brett Lee's aggressive celebration with a chainsaw exemplifies the dominant Australian cricket of the 2000s. Known for his express pace, Lee's roaring chainsaw celebration, accompanied by the fervent cheering of the crowd, symbolizes the Australian aggression that intimidated opponents.
Shoaib Akhtars Rawalpindi Express Run:
Shoaib Akhtar, one of the fiercest fast bowlers in cricket history, celebrates by running like an airplane after dismissing batsmen with his raw pace. His celebration reached its pinnacle when he removed Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar with consecutive toe-crushers at the iconic Eden Gardens stadium.
Imran Tahirs Home Run:
Imran Tahir, a passionate South African bowler, sprints several hundred meters in celebration after taking a wicket. His enthusiasm and the sight of his teammates running after him demonstrate a strong team spirit. Tahir's love for the game has kept him going until the age of 40.
Pakistani Batsmens Kissing Mother Earth:
Pakistani batsmen have a tradition of removing their helmets, kneeling down, and kissing the ground or touching it with their foreheads after completing a century. This celebration is rooted in Islamic prayer and signifies their submission to God's grace and gratitude towards the Earth.
Andrew Flintoff and Sourav Gangulys Shirtless Run:
Part I: After India's collapse at the Wankhede, Andrew Flintoff ran around whirling his shirt in celebration. Part II: Sourav Ganguly returned the favour in the Natwest Trophy finals of 2002, where he removed his shirt at Lord's after a record chase against England. These iconic celebrations epitomize the rivalry and intensity between the two teams.
S. Sreesanths Helicopter Dance and Palm Smash:
S. Sreesanth, a controversial Indian bowler, entertained fans with his helicopter dance, swinging his bat over his head. He also celebrated a crucial wicket by pumping his fist and smashing the ground in excitement. These celebrations showcased his passionate and energetic style of play, contributing to memorable moments in cricket history.