5 of the most iconic cricket celebrations in recent years

Celebrations bring new dimensions to the game. They have the power to represent more than just victory. Over the years, we have seen many players let loose and as a result, the game has witnessed many innovative celebrations. Let us now look at those, which made the headlines.

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#5 Virat Kohli vs Pakistan; ICC World T20 2016

Virat Kohli bows down to Sachin Tendulkar

India played against Pakistan in their Super-10 game during the 2016 ICC T20 World cup at Kolkata. The match lived up to its hype. Pakistan batted first and scored 118-5 in the rain-hit 18-over per-side game.

India's chase was dealt a severe blow after they lost three wickets with just 23 runs on the board. From there on, it was all about Virat Kohli, the run machine. He played magnificently under the tough conditions and immense pressure of an India-Pakistan World cup game at Eden Gardens.

As soon as he completed his half-century, he celebrated in a unique way. He bowed down to none other the 'God of Cricket' Sachin Tendulkar, who was present at the stadium, watching the high-voltage clash.

Kohli dedicated his 'special knock' to the Master Blaster. He then single-handedly won the match for India. The Men in Blue won the match by six wickets and took an 11-0 lead against their arch-rivals in the World cup games.

That was indeed a special feeling and an unforgettable occasion for all the fans.

#4 West Indies vs Sri Lanka; ICC World T20 2012

The West Indies team dances to the tunes of Gangnam Style

The West Indies won the 2012 ICC World T20 in Sri Lanka by defeating the hosts in the final. This was their first ever T20 World cup title and they made it memorable by celebrating it in their own style.

All the players danced to the famous song ‘Gangnam Style’ which was a raging hit back in 2012. The celebrations which began after the win continued even after the presentation ceremony. Chris Gayle led the party much to the delight of the fans. The ‘Calypso Kings’ once again proved why they are the imperial entertainers of the game by this celebration.

#3 England vs Australia; Ashes 2010-11

The England side celebrates in fashion

England won the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and took a 2-1 lead in the 2010-11 Ashes. They won the match by an inning and 157 runs and celebrated their victory with the ‘Sprinkler Dance’. All the players performed this unique dance and enthralled the ‘Barmy Army’ members.

Graeme Swann led the celebrations for the Englishmen. They sprinkled the joy of winning for their fans in Australia and those back home by their dance. English won the 2010-11 Ashes in Australia 3-1 and retained the urn.

#2 Sourav Ganguly vs England; Natwest Tri-series 2002

Who can forget Dada's celebration at Lord's?

India won the Natwest Tri-series final against England at Lord’s in July 2002. The Englishmen scored a massive 325-5 in 50 overs, batting first. In reply, India was struggling at 146-5. The Yuvraj-Kaif partnership made the target achievable. India scored 326-8 in 49.3 overs and won that match.

England had drawn the series 3-3 earlier that year in India, after winning the sixth ODI at the Wankhede Stadium. Andrew Flintoff took his shirt off while celebrating England’s win. So, the Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly took revenge on Flintoff by removing his shirt off and waving it from the famous Lord's balcony after the victory in London.

#1 Sreesanth vs South Africa; India's tour of South Africa 2006

Sreesanth responds in some fashion to Andre Nel's sledging

It was the first test match of the series during India’s 2006-07 tour of South Africa. The match was played at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. Andre Nel, the Proteas bowler was charged up during India’s second innings. He even exchanged few words with the Indian batsmen during the innings.

He did the same with Sreesanth. But Sreesanth replied with the bat. He smashed a six the very next ball, came down the track to dance past Nel whilst waving his bat. Though it was peculiar, the celebration was a befitting reply to Nel by the Indian pacer. India won that match by 123 runs.