Top 7 cricketing moments of 2017

Like most of the previous years, 2017 was an eventful one. There were some really wonderful moments and some bitter ones as well in the world of cricket.

Pakistan entered the Champions Trophy as underdogs (they were ranked No. 8 before the start of the tournament) and surprised everyone by lifting the trophy. Veteran pacer Ashish Nehra drew the curtains on a wonderful career; Rohit Sharma had a record-breaking year, shattering numerous records while Rangana Herath became the first left-arm spinner to take 400 Test wickets.

Afghanistan and Ireland received Test status, becoming the 11th and 12th Test playing nations.

But there were a few other events that had a more significant impact. Let’s take a look at the top 7 events of the year.

#7 MS Dhoni gives up limited-overs captaincy

Captain Cool shocked the world on the 4th of January this year as he decided to step down as captain of India’s limited-overs teams. He communicated this decision to the chairman of selectors MSK Prasad.

Dhoni, in a press conference, revealed why he gave up the captaincy, stating that split captaincy doesn’t really work in India. Hence, he stated that he wanted to give Virat Kohli some time to get adjusted to the challenges of captaincy in the Test arena.

Also, the timing of this decision was also crucial as he stepped down just before the limited-overs leg of England’s tour to India started. That was the last ODI series India played before the Champions Trophy and thus, Dhoni wanted Kohli to get used to captaining in the ODI format as well.

Dhoni did not have a farewell game as captain, but was appointed the captain of the India ‘A’ side which played England just before the ODI series. Dhoni scored a brutal 68 in his final game as captain.