2017 was a very eventful year in the world of cricket, as we witnessed several moments on the cricket field that will be etched in our minds for a very long time.
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It was a special year for Indian cricket in particular, as the Virat Kohli led side have become one of the most feared sides in world cricket right now.
Steve Smith took his game to new heights this year, as the Aussie skipper almost single handedly won back the Ashes for his country.
Women’s cricket also took a huge leap forward, as the Women’s World Cup final became one of the most viewed matches this year.
There were other great moments in the game this year, as we take a look at five images that really won the hearts of the cricketing world.
5) Ritika Sharma cries after Rohit gets to this double hundred
Rohit Sharma had a sensational 2017, as the Hitman underlined his status as one of the premier batsmen in world cricket.
The opening batsmen played several mesmerizing knocks this year, with his double century against Sri Lanka being the highlight of his incredible year.
It also happened to be on his wedding anniversary, as his wife Ritika was there in the stands to watch him play.
After Rohit reached the three figure mark, he kissed his ring finger, and dedicated his knock to his wife.
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The television cameras caught sight of Ritika, as Mrs Sharma had tears of joy running down her cheeks, while she applauded her husband.
In what was a beautiful moment this year, we got a glimpse of what it felt like being a family member of an Indian cricketer.
4) MS Dhoni takes a power nap on the field
This bizarre incident took place in the third ODI between India and Sri Lanka in Pallekele.
India were already 2-0 up in the series, and were coasting towards another win when the angry Sri Lankan fans took matter into their own hands.
Sri Lanka had a pitiful 2017, as they were a shadow of the team that reached two consecutive World Cup finals in the last decade.
Their fans could not take the humiliation any longer, as they started to throw missiles on to the ground, as the umpires had to stop the match to try and pacify the fans.
Amidst all this chaos, Dhoni decided to take a power nap on the field, as the Indian keeper was literally caught napping on the ground.
3) Virushka’s marriage picture
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s wedding was one of the biggest events this year, as India’s latest power couple tied the knot in Milan.
The Indian skipper married his long term partner in an intimate wedding ceremony in Italy, far away from the prying Indian media.
The marriage took place a day earlier than expected, as their wedding pictures suddenly became a rage on social media.
This picture, in which Kohli is held aloft by his family became one of the most viewed pictures of the year, as it went well beyond the cricketing world.
2) Virat Kohli congratulates the Pakistan national team
The Champions Trophy final between India and Pakistan was the third most watched game in history, with an audience of around 132 million people.
In what was one of the most surprising results of the year, Pakistan beat the favourites India in the final, as Virat Kohli’s brilliant side slipped at the last hurdle.
Kohli was extremely gracious in defeat, as he stood back and congratulated every member of the Pakistan team.
It was a wonderful display of sportsman spirit, as the world applauded the Indian captain’s graciousness on such a big stage.
1) MS Dhoni beats Hardik Pandya in a 100 meter sprint
MS Dhoni takes the top spot in this list, as the beloved wicket-keeper shocked everyone when he beat Hardik Pandya in a 100 meter dash between the pair.
Pandya, who is supremely fit, was confident enough to take on MS Dhoni in a race. But he could not have expected to see the veteran player beat him so easily, as their running race went viral on social media.
It was a slap in the mouth to all those who doubted Dhoni’s place in the squad, as Mahi made light work of someone who is 12 years younger than him.
Dhoni’s critics were not the only ones who were left shocked, as his fans were also gobsmacked to see their hero easily sprint past the young Pandya.
