- Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Modi, who was seen beside home minister Amit Shah during the match and speaking to former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar after, also congratulated the Australian team.
By: Shubham Ghosh
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi, who had been following his country’s performance closely in the just concluded ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, stood by the team after its devastating six-wicket loss to Australia in the final of the tournament at the venue named after him in Ahmedabad in the western state of Gujarat on Sunday (19).
The leader, who attended the match towards the close and handed over the trophy to Australian captain Pat Cummins along with Australian deputy prime minister Richard Marles who is in India for strategic talks with the Indian leadership, said in a message on X after the match, “Dear Team India, Your talent and determination through the World Cup was noteworthy. You’ve played with great spirit and brought immense pride to the nation. We stand with you today and always.”
Dear Team India,
Your talent and determination through the World Cup was noteworthy. You've played with great spirit and brought immense pride to the nation.
We stand with you today and always.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 19, 2023
The 73-year-old is known for boosting Indian sportspersons both in success and failure and has done the same with his country’s athletes competing in big sporting events such as the Olympic Games.
Modi, who was seen beside home minister Amit Shah during the match and speaking to former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar after, also congratulated the Australian team over its mega feat, saying in a post, “Congratulations to Australia on a magnificent World Cup victory! Theirs was a commendable performance through the tournament, culminating in a splendid triumph. Compliments to Travis Head for his remarkable game today.”
Congratulations to Australia on a magnificent World Cup victory! Theirs was a commendable performance through the tournament, culminating in a splendid triumph. Compliments to Travis Head for his remarkable game today.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 19, 2023
Before the big clash, Modi also expressed his support for the home team, tweeting, “All the best Team India! 140 crore Indians are cheering for you. May you shine bright, play well and uphold the spirit of sportsmanship.”
All the best Team India!
140 crore Indians are cheering for you.
May you shine bright, play well and uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. https://t.co/NfQDT5ygxk
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 19, 2023
The home team, which won 10 consecutive games in the tournament before the final, looked out of form in the title clash against a clinical Australia. India, despite a brisk start provided to them by captain Rohit Sharma (47 off 31 balls), failed to capitalise and managed 240 runs in 50 overs. Australia lost some early wickets but a resolute hundred from opener Travis Head (137 off 120) and unbeaten half century from Marnus Labuschagne (58 not out off 110) ensured that they clinched the trophy for the record sixth time.
