As such, cricket is a sport that requires high levels of concentration and a lot of calculative brilliance as well. At the same time, the gentleman’s game is also about passion and letting yourself loose by expressing your emotions.
Celebrations by cricketers, be it after claiming a wicket, on completing a hundred or after taking an excellent catch, embody the spirit and zeal with which the game is played.
In this feature, we take a look at five cricketers whose signature on-field celebrations are among the best in the business.
#5 Shikhar Dhawan - Thigh-five
Apart from his sublime batting skills that have won him fans across the globe, veteran Team India opener Shikhar Dhawan is also known for his thigh-five celebrations. Every time he takes a catch, he slaps his thigh and raises his finger to signal the fall of a wicket.
During his appearance on the YouTube chat show, ‘Double Trouble’, hosted by Indian women cricketers Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, Dhawan opened up on the inspiration behind his thigh-five celebrations. He explained:
Dhawan is currently in Zimbabwe with the ODI squad. Apart from opening the innings, he will also be skipper KL Rahul’s deputy.
#4 Sheldon Cotterell - Military salute
Consistency is not West Indies left-arm seamer Sheldon Cotterell’s forte. On his day, he can be extraordinary, on other days pedestrian. However, upon getting a wicket, he always brings out a military-style salute, literally giving marching orders to the batter.
After claiming a five-fer against England in a one-dayer in 2019, Cotterell spilled the beans on his salute celebration. He told the BBC:
Cotterell, who will soon turn 33, has represented West Indies in two Tests, 38 ODIs and 41 T20Is, claiming 102 international scalps.
#3 Hassan Ali - Bomb explosion
Pakistan pacer Hassan Ali is known for his maverick ways. His ‘bomb explosion’ celebration after getting a wicket is quite popular. He crouches down and then gets up, spreading his hands, after claiming a wicket.
In 2017, he was asked whether he fears getting injured due to the exaggerated celebrations. He responded:
A year later, the Pakistan pacer was trolled on social media after he hurt his neck during the ‘bomb explosion’ celebration after claiming a wicket in an ODI against Zimbabwe.
#2 Tabraiz Shamsi - Shoe phone
South African left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi’s ‘shoe phone’ celebrations have grabbed a lot of eyeballs. Upon taking a crucial wicket, he removes his shoes and pretends to make a phone call. His bizarre celebration became the talk of Twitter after he dismissed Shikhar Dhawan in a T20I in Bengaluru in 2019.
Some Indian fans felt it was an insult to the Indian opener. However, Shamsi’s teammate Rassie van der Dussen clarified after the game:
The Proteas left-arm spinner himself took to social media and explained:
Dhawan slammed the South African bowler for two sixes before Shamsi had the last laugh, dismissing the Indian opener for 36 off 25 balls.
#1 KL Rahul - Shut out the noise
Experienced Indian batter Rahul’s ‘shut out the noise’ celebration has become a part of the cricketer’s personality. Every time he reaches a hundred, be it for India or his IPL franchise, he takes off his helmet, shuts his ears with his hands and closes his eyes.
He brought out the unique celebration after reaching three-figures during an ODI against West Indies in 2019. It made an reapperance against England at home last year. Rahul struggled for runs in the T20Is and sent out a loud and clear message to critics after completing his century in the second ODI.
Speaking after the match, Rahul shed light on his reaction after reaching his ton, saying:
Rahul will be making a comeback to international cricket during the ODIs in Zimbabwe. He hasn’t played an international match since February due to injury and fitness issues.
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