Five iconic images that defined Indian cricket

Indian cricket team created has many memorable moments on the Cricket field. Though many such moments were not recorded prior to 1980s, technological advancement which boomed after 1980s that made it possible to capture every important moment and helps us to cherish the memories whenever we see it in future.

Any real fan can recollect the exact incident which happened on a particular match just by looking at the picture. Visual medium always has emotional connect for both cricketers and fans. India's leading wicket-taker Anil Kumble had the habit of capturing all the special moments during his playing career. He could be the right person to contact if one wants to see Indian cricket journey in his era by pictures.

We are going to see five of iconic photos of Indian cricket and the story behind the photos.

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#1 1983 World Cup victory

Kapil Dev won the maiden World cup for India

West Indies won both inaugural and 1979 World Cup tournaments. They were in line to win their third successive tournament as they had reached World Cup finals for the 3rd time as well. On the other side, it was an Indian team who reached the finals, which was a surprise for the entire cricketing world.

Almost everyone predicted that West Indies would win the 1983 World Cup since India scored only 183 runs batting first on the big day. Chasing the modest target, they had a very good start until Kapil Dev pulled the catch which turned Indian cricket history. He took the catch of Viv Richards by running backward who were smashing the Indian bowlers as he was almost running away with the game.

West Indies kept losing the wickets once they had Richards back in the pavilion before eventually bowled out for 140. India won their maiden ODI Cricket World Cup under the leadership of Kapil Dev, as a result, this became the turning point of Indian cricket history. The iconic moment came when Kapil Dev received the winner’s trophy which is still cherished by every cricket fan.

#2 Dravid and Laxman batting out the whole day against Australia

Dravid and Laxman walks back to the dressing after batting out the whole day against Australia

In 2001, Australia came to India to play three-Test series. The visitors had won 15 consecutive Tests before coming to India and they recorded their 16th Consecutive win after winning the first Test at Mumbai. The next Test took place at Kolkata on which Australia batted first and scored 445 runs in the first innings.

India was bowled out for 171 and they had to bat again on the third day of the Test. India ended the day three at 254/4 with VVS Laxman batting at 109* and Rahul Dravid at 7* as everyone made their mind that India might not win this test too. To everyone’s surprise, both Dravid and Laxman stood solidly and batted the whole day without losing their wickets which summed up India’s score as 589/4 at the end of the day.

Laxman recorded highest ever Indian score 275* and Dravid ended the day at 155* during the end of the fourth day. The above iconic picture clicked when they walked back to the dressing room after batting out the fourth day against strong Australian attack, India went on to win the Test also the series in their next games and also stopped Australia's 16 Tests winning streak.

#3 2002 Natwest Finals and Ganguly waving his shirt.

Ganguly waves the shirt after India won the 2002 Natwest finals

The 2002 tri-nation Natwest tournament held in England involving India, Sri Lanka, and England. India reached finals along with England and it took place at the home of cricket that is Lord's. England batted first, their opener Trescothick and captain Nasser Hussain scored centuries which helped them to post 325/5 in fifty overs.

Chasing 300+ runs were huge task during that time where Indian openers gave a solid start. Sehwag and Ganguly added 100 runs for the first wicket inside 15 overs eventually both of them dismissed in consecutive overs and slump has started. India lost half of their side including little master Sachin Tendulkar inside 25 overs when they had just scored 146 runs.

When everyone switched off their TVs assuming India will lose yet another final, something special happened, as the young Indian pair, Yuvraj and Mohammad Kaif started scoring at a healthy run rate which kept India in the game. Both of them added 121 runs for the fifth wicket and Yuvraj got out for well-made 69 runs.

Kaif stood there until the end and took India to the victory in the last over as they won the Natwest Series 2002. Indian captain Sourav Ganguly took off his jersey and waved it as revenge on Andrew Flintoff's antics at Wankhede when India scored the winning runs. It was a nice pay-back by the Indian captain.

#4 India winning 2007 ICC World T20

Dhoni reaction after winning the inaugural T20 World cup

India got knocked out of the 2007 World Cup in the group stage as one of the upsets in the tournament and it became one of the lowest points of Indian cricket history. On the same year, ICC has announced their inaugural T20 World cup to be held in South Africa. BCCI decided to send the young team to play under new captain MS Dhoni.

India played really well throughout the tournament with Yuvraj Singh being the backbone of India to reach the finals. On this tournament, Yuvraj smashed half-century in 12 balls and also six sixes in an over of Stuart Broad which was a major highlight of that tournament. India faced their arch-rivals Pakistan in the finals where India scored 157/5 in first innings, thanks to Gautam Gambhir for his 75 runs from 54 balls.

Chasing 158 runs to win, Pakistan collapsed badly as they lost six wickets for 76 runs before Misbah-ul-Haq held the innings till the last over. Pakistan needed six runs from four balls when Misbah played the famous scoop shot and it went to Sreesanth who was at fine leg to take the catch and the above image was captured during the winning moment. Dhoni who is known for his cool attitude, jumped with joy when India lifted the inaugural T20 World cup

#5 Dhoni's iconic six to win the 2011 World Cup

The 2011 World Cup tournament was held in the Indian subcontinent which has many memorable moments like Yuvraj Singh performing with both bat and bowl despite being in pain. India stopped Australia's winning run in World cup when they beat them in quarterfinals followed by the epic clash between India vs Pakistan in semi-finals held at Mohali in front of both the country’s Prime Ministers.

India defeated Pakistan to reach the world cup finals for the third time against Sri Lanka in the epic finals held in Mumbai. Sri Lanka batted first and struggled to bat well initially. Then the brilliant century from Mahela Jayawardene and the late burst from lower orders players helped them to reach a respectable total of 274 runs. In Indian innings Sehwag and Tendulkar got out there to open the second innings, shockingly India lost Viru in the very first over and lost Tendulkar after some time.

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir had a decent partnership to rescue from the shock before Kohli was dismissed by Tilakratne Dilshan. Then came the surprise move which was considered as a masterstroke as MS Dhoni promoted himself up to the order to tackle the off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.

Gambhir played his heart out and missed the deserving World Cup winning century just by three runs. Yuvi joined Dhoni as the pair was taking the scoreboard close to the target. When India needed four runs to lift the World cup, the captain launched the above captured iconic shot a six. India lifted the world cup after 28 years. The entire nation went to sleep after the grand celebration on that day.