Sport is an activity where those involved put their whole and soul, to get the result their way. Sometimes they succeed; sometimes they fail. On several occasions, emotions take over, which is apparent through the players' celebrations. In cricket, we have seen several such instances. Regardless of what team we support, these celebrations often bring smiles to all our faces.
1. Imran Tahir
Pakistan-born Imran Tahir has earned a reputation of being a rookie spinner in the last decade. The player of the decade nominee in the 2010s has been one of the greatest spinners for the South African team. A T20 legend, Tahir retired from the game after playing the 2019 ICC World Cup. Tahir currently represents numerous franchises across the globe. Besides his leg-spin, Tahir was also famous for his long sprints after taking a wicket. As it got noticed by the audience, the celebration became more animated.
2. Sheldon Cottrel
West Indians are known for enjoying their time on the ground. Since the 1970s, when the Caribbean bowlers would take the batsmen all around the world for a ride, the fun element has never gone missing. Sheldon Cottrel, the Left-arm pacer from Jamaica, is more famous for his celebration than his ability with the ball. He made his debut in 2013. After taking every wicket, Cottrell walks up to the batter and gives him a military salute, seeing him off. Although passionate, the gesture is very healthy as no words get exchanged. “It’s a military-style salute. Me Saluting is to show my respect to the Jamaica Defence Force,” said Cottrell in an interview.
3. Ravindra Jadeja
Reliable left-arm orthodox, power hitter in the lower order, and a gun fielder, Ravi Jadeja has been one of the critical reasons for team India’s success in the last few years. Ravi Jadeja’s bowling has improved considerably since the 2013 Champions Trophy. Although, his batting down the order in the test has been a treat for all the fans. Jadeja’s quick fifties have often added valuable runs. The reason why people await his half-century is not only his hitting prowess but also the celebration. The sword celebration is undoubtedly one of the better celebrations.
4. Shahid Afridi
Active since the 90s, Shahid Afridi still plays professional cricket in different leagues around the world. The legendary all-rounder for Pakistan. He has had a tremendous role in promoting the sport in the country. Afridi is famous all across the globe for his unique X celebration. After taking a wicket, taking a catch, or winning the match while batting, Afridi stands with both his hands pointed towards the sky in an X position. It became a trademark Afridi celebration. In an interview, he stated how he and Shoaib Akhtar went for a catch. The celebration followed that catch, which was taken by Afridi and has stuck since then.
5. Brett Lee
One of the fastest bowlers in the world during his time, Lee is a part of several memorable moments in cricketing history. Since his debut in 2000, Lee had been the critical fast bowler for the Australian. The team won 2 consecutive world cups in that decade. After taking every wicket with his lethal pace, Lee celebrated it with a chainsaw celebration. The passionate punch towards the ground would scare even the best batsman in the world. In his last game (BBL 2014/15), Lee bowled Coulter Nile out and showed his iconic celebration in the final over he bowled in the career.
6. Hasan Ali
The face of the new-age Pakistani bowling attack, Ali, is one of the promising prospects in world cricket right now. Although in his early days, the 27-year old has earned praise from all corners. Ali is famous for his aggression and control while bowling. The Mandi Bahauddin born pacer is renowned for his unique celebration. Hasan Ali celebrates every wicket of his with the bomb explosion celebration. He bows down to the ground and opens his arms wide open in the sky, showing a bomb explosion. However, in 2018 the celebration backfired. After having taken a wicket against Zimbabwe, Ali invited an injury to his neck following the celebration.
7. Dwayne Bravo
Dwayne Bravo is a legend in the shortest format of the game. The all-rounder is famous for his tricky slower ones and hard-hitting lower down the order has been a part of several leagues for almost a decade. There is never a dull moment on the field with Bravo in action. After creating a song in 2016, ‘Champion’, Bravo introduced the world of cricket to a brand new ‘Champion celebration’. The easy-on-body and groovy steps made it a global phenomenon. The 2016 world cup victory was a cherry on the cake as the entire cricketing world saw the West Indian team dance to the song.
8. Tinashe Panayangara
In one of the league games of the 2015 Cricket world cup, South Africa was in deep trouble as they were one down for 20 odd runs in 7 overs. Panyangara bowled Hashim Amla out and slipped to the ground, and recreated the ‘Big Mouth Billy Bash’ move as his celebration. A robotic fish turns its head towards the person and wags the tail. The celebration became one of the iconic moments of the 2015 ICC World Cup.
9. KL Rahul
KL Rahul is one of the most elegant batsmen of this time. Centuries, in all three formats of the game, different gear, and budding leadership qualities, Rahul is an attractive package of talent. Since his debut in 2016, Rahul has gained many fans and a few naysayers. Post the Semi-finals loss; fans started questioning his place in the Indian squad. Rahul shifted from opening to number 3 position after the tournament. He scored at an average of 56 runs with a strike rate of over 110 and silenced the critics. After regaining his form, Rahul included a new celebration in his armor. After scoring every century, Rahul puts down the helmet and closes his ears with gloved hands. Perhaps a gesture for those who question his place.
10. Kesrick Williams
Another West Indian with an eye-catching celebration is Kesrick Williams. Whenever the medium-pacer would take a wicket in the Caribbean Premier League matches, he would take an imaginary notebook out and write off the batsmen. The celebration became famous, and everyone seemed to notice it. In 2019 when India was touring the West Indies, Williams got the big scalp of the Indian skipper, Virat Kohli. He celebrated the same way, but within months, when Windies were in India for a limited-overs series, Virat made Kesrick taste his own medicine, as, after every boundary, Kohli got his ‘Notebook’ out. The limited-overs specialist has represented the Windies in 25 T20 Internationals.
