Top 10 Unforgettable Moments for the Indian Cricket Team in 2018

image-lhjlxxwqIndian won it's first Test in Australia in 10 years in 2018 (ICC Twitter)

Over the course of the past decade, the Indian cricket team has experienced an unprecedented surge of triumph, scaling ever greater heights with each passing year. This glorious period of Indian cricket witnessed a resolute emergence of the team as a formidable force in the global arena, captivating the hearts of fans worldwide.

Amidst this great success, the year 2018 assumed a particularly remarkable significance, as the astute leadership of Virat Kohli propelled the Indian side to unparalleled dominance over their adversaries. Not only did the team exhibit an indomitable spirit on their home soil, leaving their opponents hapless and outmatched, but they also undertook a quest to rewrite their records on foreign soil.

As we take a stroll down memory lane, let’s take a look at the year 2018 was and its top 10 moments:

10. Indian team's gesture with Sri Lankan flag after Nidahas Trophy final

In a thrilling finale of the Nidahas Trophy, the Indian cricket team emerged victorious against Bangladesh. However, it was their heartfelt gesture after the match that left a lasting impression. 

image-lhjmntjzIndia defeated Bangladesh to win Nidahas Trophy

Indian captain Rohit Sharma, in a display of solidarity and appreciation, walked on the ground with the Sri Lankan flag draped over his shoulders. The Nidahas Trophy was organized by Sri Lanka to commemorate their 70th year of independence, and this gesture from the Indian team showcased the spirit of camaraderie and unity among the participating nations.

9. MS Dhoni plays 500th international match

MS Dhoni reached a significant milestone in his illustrious cricketing career in 2018 by playing his 500th international match. The landmark match took place during a thrilling T20 encounter between India and England.

image-lhjmky0tMS Dhoni is only the third Indian to play 500 international matches (BCCI Twitter)

Dhoni became only the third Indian cricketer to accomplish this feat, joining the esteemed company of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. His longevity and contributions to the game have solidified his status as one of the all-time greats in Indian cricket.

8. Team India dedicates Trent Bridge win to Kerala flood victims

Although India couldn't clinch the Test series against England in 2018, they won the hearts of Indian fans with a heartfelt gesture. 

image-lhjmj5trIndia won the Test but lost the series vs England in 2018 (ICC)

After their resounding 203-run victory at Trent Bridge, Virat Kohli and his team dedicated the win to the victims of the devastating flood in Kerala. Additionally, the team donated their match fees to the Kerala flood relief funds, further exemplifying their solidarity with the affected region.

7. Virat Kohli's unmatched run-scoring reign in South Africa

During the bilateral ODI series between India and South Africa, Virat Kohli showcased his exceptional batting prowess, setting a new record for the most runs scored in a bilateral series. 

image-lhjmg68tVirat Kohli was prolific on South Africa tour (BCCI Twitter)

Despite playing on South African soil, Kohli's masterful performance saw him accumulate a staggering 558 runs in just six matches, including three centuries. His unbeaten 160* stood out as his finest innings of the remarkale 2018 series.

6. MS Dhoni’s landmark 200th ODI as captain

MS Dhoni was granted the opportunity to lead the team for the 200th time in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), as both the current skipper Virat Kohli and vice-captain Rohit Sharma were unavailable. 

image-lhjmdb8rMS Dhoni is one of the best captains to have played the sport (BCCI Twitter)

Prior to stepping down from the captaincy, Dhoni had already captained India in 199 ODIs, leaving him just one match short of the remarkable milestone. During the Asia Cup clash against Afghanistan in 2018, Dhoni reached the coveted 200-mark as a captain.

5. Virat Kohli's unprecedented milestones

In 2018, Virat Kohli left an indelible mark on cricket history as he became the first Indian batsman to score three consecutive centuries in an ODI series against West Indies. 

image-lhjmageyVirat Kohli's ODI numbers are staggering (BCCI Twitter)

Furthermore, Kohli shattered records by becoming the fastest player to reach both 10,000 runs in ODIs and 1,000 runs in a calendar year.

4. Ajinkya Rahane's sportsmanship shines despite India's victory

During Afghanistan's inaugural Test match against India in 2018, stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane displayed true sportsmanship, earning admiration from the Afghan side. 

image-lhjm8hb5Ajinkya Rahane's gesture received praise galore (ICC)

Despite India's comprehensive win by an innings and 262 runs, Rahane showcased his kind-hearted nature by inviting the entire Afghanistan team to join in a photo with the trophy. This heartwarming gesture acknowledged the significance of their historic moment and exemplified Rahane's reputation as a gentleman of the game.

3. Virat Kohli leads India to their first-ever series win on South African soil

In a historic feat in 2018, the Indian team, under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, achieved a remarkable milestone by clinching their maiden ODI series victory over South Africa in their own backyard. This significant accomplishment marked a watershed moment in Indian cricket. 

image-lhjm5oq2India won the series 5-1 (ICC Twitter)

The Men in Blue demonstrated their prowess by outplaying South Africa in five out of the six matches, ultimately securing the coveted trophy. Led by Virat Kohli's exceptional leadership, the team showcased their mettle and determination throughout the series. Notably, the Indian also emerged as the highest run-scorer of the series.

2. India secure Test victory in Australia after 10 years

After a decade-long wait, India triumphed over Australia in a Test match Down Under. Led by captain Virat Kohli, the visiting team outplayed their opponents by 31 runs in the opening game of the four-match series held in Adelaide. 

image-lhjm30gnCheteshwar Pujara scored a ton (ICC Twitter)

This victory marked India's first Test win in Australia since Anil Kumble guided them to a triumph in Perth during the 2007-08 tour. In subsequent tours, India had faced challenging defeats, including a 4-0 whitewash under MS Dhoni in 2011-12 and a 2-0 loss in 2014-15.

1. Dinesh Karthik's 8-ball blitz bludgeoned Bangladesh in Nidahas Final

One of the most unforgettable moments for the Indian Cricket Team in 2018 was the thrilling triumph in the Nidahas Trophy final, all thanks to Dinesh Karthik's incredible innings where he blew Bangladesh away. With his astonishing last-ball six, Karthik not only secured the victory but also captured the hearts of millions of fans.

image-lhjm2b68Dinesh Karthik pulled off a miracle vs Bangladesh (Twitter)

After Bangladesh set a target of 167 runs, India's chase initially appeared straightforward. However, a sudden batting collapse disrupted their momentum and slowed down the run rate. With only 12 balls remaining, India faced the daunting task of scoring 34 runs. In a breathtaking turn of events, Karthik scored an impressive 22 runs off the penultimate over, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish. With one ball remaining and India needing 5 runs to win, Karthik smashed a remarkable six over the covers, clinching the trophy for India.