Blast from the Past: Most emotional moments in Cricket

Emotions play a decisive role in determining a player’s mental stature. While some choose to be impassive, the rest express them. Take for example Indian captain MS Dhoni. Rarely will you see him celebrating a dismissal, or displaying his state of mind. Here are 5 most ‘emotional’ moments that will take you back down the memory lane and show that this game has produced some vivid expressions on field.

Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement

For the very last time, a billion fans switched off their TV sets. The stadium was stunned, people were shell shocked, failing to accept what they had just seen, as Darren Sammy held on to the catch! Sachin Tendulkar! The Indian ‘Little Master’ was out for the last time in his career! A sense of disbelief surrounded the audience present at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. A man that inspired a billion was walking back after making 74 runs for the last time, in which he gathered a plethora of records to his name.

Image // The Hindu

His speech was more heart-breaking and touchy as the Indian batting legend bid adieu. It meant a goodbye to a game that was a part of his life for more than two decades, 24 years to be precise and he described it as 'oxygen' . It wasn’t easy for him; his words narrated the entire story! Watch the speech here:

South Africa’s World Cup 2015 exit

Image / ICC

Grant Elliot gave New Zealand an entry to the World Cup 2015 final with a typical Dhoni finish, hitting Dale Steyn for a six, but what followed triggered the hearts of cricket fans, and it is the reason why this match will be remembered for a long while.

AB de Villiers, Morne Morkel, Faf du Plesis were in tears. Dale Steyn could not believe what had happened! He was then supported by Elliot. The South Africans displayed truly what the game actually means to them!

The South African captain, AB de Villiers at the presentation ceremony showed yet another act of greatness- Without blaming the fielders for dropping catches, or the D/L method, he just thanked the crowd for their support and wished the winning team good luck, before leving. He might not have won the trophy, but certainly won our hearts.

When Muralitharan gave away the Man of the Match award to Mohammed Ashraful

Image // ESPN

Here’s an incident involving Bangladesh batsman Mohammed Ashraful and Sri Lankan bowling legend -Muttiah Muralitharan. The latter, was considered unplayable in the period and was always keen on testing the batsmen with his mighty off-spinners. 

However, Ashraful, a young and dynamic batsman from Bangladesh played him exceptionally well. With his gift of timing and ideal shot selection, he was seen handling Muralitharan. But he could only delay the defeat for his team. He batted with a lot of determination and his technique was sound as well.

Later, in the post match presentation ceremony, the Man of the Match award was announced and Muttiah Muralitharan was the only choice for the award. Murali received the award, perplexing everyone in his team and the Bangladesh team; he walked up to a confused looking Mohammed Ashraful and handed over his Man of the Match award to him. Ashraful was speechless. Murali hugged him and said,

“You played brilliantly. Very few players in the world play me with the ease you have played. You are a great batsman and you are my man of the match and truly deserve this award.”

Phillip Hughes tragedy

Image // Twitter

The world mourns the loss of a young and talented player in the sad demise of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes. The incident was one of the most unfortunate events to happen on a cricket field. The world came together, as they lost one of Australia’s brighter prospects.

Image // Getty

Hughes, while playing a shield match was hit by a bouncer by Sean Abbott which resulted into the fatal injury. He was hit on the lower part of the head, just behind the neck region. The impact was enough to deny Hughes any chance of a survival. The cricketing world was shocked and so much enough, that some even failed to express it  . Prayers flew in, the people showed support. Sean Abbott was provided with the support to cope with his declining mental condition. His team mates including Michael Clarke, who was just like a brother to him and David Warner, found it difficult to recover from the loss.

Hughes was batting at 63 when he was struck. He now remains 63 not out, forever. The Australia 408 baggy green will always be remembered for that gritty smile, Rest in Peace Hughesy.

Team India’s 2011 World Cup win.

Image // Emirates247.com

MS Dhoni lofts Nuwan Kulasekara for a mighty six into the escthatic Wankhede crowd as india lift the World Cup for the second time after 28 years! Ravi Shastri quotes it in the most energetic of voices, the words are etched in the minds of every Indian, "DHONI! Finishes off in style. India lift the World Cup after 28 years and the party starts in the dressing room.."

It was truly a moment of tremendous joy for a billions of Indians, wasn't it? But for the players, it was an emotional one! Every player was in tears while lifting the trophy.

For the 22 men who took the field on the day, it was probably the biggest moment of their lives, and it was all about stepping up and making it count, they did!

Share this