Five Beautiful Moments of IPL 2020

There's so much to cricket that we adore. There's so much to the Indian Premier League that we adore. But more than the superstars, big sixes, spectacular catches, and stumps flying, one thing which is most beautiful to witness is raw human emotions. Aren't these human emotions the reason why we became cricket fans in the first place?

Bharat Army takes a look at five magical moments in IPL 2020 that won the hearts of Indian cricket fans:

5. Riyan Parag-Jofra Archer Bihu dance:

It is always good to see the youngsters take the centre stage in the world's toughest T20 league. It has happened on one too many occasions this season. In match 26, Riyan Parag alongside Rahul Tewatia guided Rajasthan to a royal win against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

(Image credits: https://www.iplt20.com/photos)

The 18-year old celebrated his winning shot by exhibiting some moves from the traditional Bihu Dance, the indigenous folk dance from the Indian state of Assam where Parag hails from. But what followed in the next game was even more eye-pleasing.

(Image credits: https://www.iplt20.com/photos)

RR faced DC and Jofra Archer cleaned the stumps of Prithvi Shaw off the first ball of the match. He then replicated Parag's steps from the previous match along with the latter, which he looked like he had worked on. A Barbadian-born English cricketer performing the traditional dance from Assam! Isn't that the beauty of IPL T20?

4. Double Super overs that sparked the KXIP comeback:

Will there ever be another game like this? Who's to bet against it. But has there been another game like this before in the history of T20 cricket? No, never.

Kings Xi Punjab and Mumbai Indians trended everywhere on 18th October. The two teams were so evenly poised against each other in a game that can only be seen to believe. A game that was tied twice and went to the super over, twice.

(Image credits: https://www.iplt20.com/photos)

Watching MI defend 8 runs off the final over then watching Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami bowling brilliantly in the first Super Over, Mayank Agarwal flying in the air to save a six and then Chris Gayle and him finishing the game for Punjab and the 41-year old Universe Boss Chris Gayle jumping in the air to pump his fists. The night had so many great moments to cherish. To remember for a lifetime. Something beyond numbers!

(Image credits: https://www.iplt20.com/photos)

3.The Rahul Tewatia social media love story: 

Match 9 of IPL 2020 was a stellar event at Sharjah Cricket Ground. Everyone had already seen the brilliant hundred from Mayank Agarwal in the first innings, his stand with KL Rahul for the opening wicket. In the second innings, RR captain Steve Smith, and first game's hero, Sanju Samson keep Rajasthan very much in to complete the biggest chase in IPL history. And to an extent, everyone may have expected this.

(Image credits: https://www.iplt20.com/photos)

But what no one wanted to expect that night was the fact that Rahul Tewatia who had scored only eight off his first 19 balls would go on to do what he did. The 27-year old who was brutally trolled by everyone on social media smashed 45 off the next 12 and inspired RR to a spectacular win.

(Image credits: https://www.iplt20.com/photos)

He also hit Sheldon Cottrell for five sixes in the 18th over. And by the next morning, he was Twitteratti's charm. Tinder, Zomato, even Jaipur Police paid tribute to the hero. In the end, though, Rajasthan Royals' Twitter bio topped it all, "Hoping 2020 does a Rahul Tewatia."

2. MS Dhoni memorabilia: 

For the last two years or so, it has been fun to watch MS Dhoni talk to youngsters post matches in IPL and give them a piece of that great cricket mind. This year it had to be even special. The legendary India cricket team skipper had announced his retirement from international cricket. This IPL was always going to be about all the fandom around Mahi. And it has been visible in these last few games that Chennai Superkings have played.

(Image Credits: Twitter/IPL)

Players have been looking for some Mahi memorabilia and they have been getting his match shirts. From Jos Buttler who asked for it after winning it for Rajasthan Royals in Dhoni's 200th IPL match to the Pandya brothers, to very recently Nitish Rana and Kuldeep Yadav.

(Image Credits: Twitter/IPL)

The players have been given the fan inside them a chance to rejoice with these photos alongside Mahi and his shirts. Even though it hasn't been CSK's year, but the man who did it for so many years wearing yellow is who matters.

1. Nitish Rana and Mandeep Singh: The one for Dad 

"Loss of a loved one hurts, but what’s more heartbreaking is when one doesn’t get to say a final goodbye. Praying for @mandeeps12, @NitishRana_27 and their families to heal from this tragedy. Hats off for turning up today. Well played," tweeted Sachin Tendulkar on 24th October.

(Image credits: https://www.iplt20.com/photos)

Nitish Rana who had lost his father-in-law very recently made 81 runs off 53 balls and helped Kolkata Knight Riders win an important game against Delhi Capitals. He dedicated his knock to his late father-in-law by displaying a KKR jersey with his name, 'Surinder' written on it, and folding his hands to pay his respects in the sky.

(Image credits: https://www.iplt20.com/photos)

Kings Xi Punjab's Mandeep Singh had lost his father a day before Punjab played Hyderabad in a crucial match. Credit to his warrior spirit he played that game and contributed some important runs in a low scoring game, which was eventually won by his side. His teammates circled around him post their win and pointed towards the sky, dedicating the win to his late father.

(Image credits: https://www.iplt20.com/photos)

Mandeep proved his mettle in the next game when he was the highest scorer for KXIP in a chase against KKR and on completion of his fifty, dedicated the same to his late father. Is there anything more beautiful than this? Doubt it.

(This article has been brought to you by cricketnews.com)