India were in a spot of bother after Australia won the toss and elected to bowl.
By: Shubham Ghosh
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (19) extended his best wishes to the national cricket team ahead of the final of the ICC Men’s cricket World Cup 2023 against Australia at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in the western Indian state of Ahmedabad.
In a post on X retweeting another from the Board of Control for Cricket in India on India’s journey in the tournament so far, he said, “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 prime minister has been greeting the Indian cricket team after every match in this World Cup. The hosts have remained unbeaten in 10 matches till the final.
Other political leaders such as Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi also wished the Indian team saying cricket has united the country beyond gender, region, language, class and religion.’
In an X post, Rahul said, “Best wishes to the boys in blue for the Cricket World Cup Final. #INDvAUS Play fearlessly – more than a billion hearts beat for you Let’s bring it home Jeetega INDIA!”
Best wishes to the boys in blue for the Cricket World Cup Final. #INDvAUS
Play fearlessly – more than a billion hearts beat for you ❤️
Let's bring it home ?
Jeetega INDIA! ?? pic.twitter.com/9NW5ETnDnh
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 19, 2023
“Dear Team India, I would like to first begin by congratulating you for your incredible performance and excellent teamwork during this World Cup. You have consistently brought glory to the country and given us all reasons to be collectively joyous and proud,” Sonia said in a video message.
“And now as you get ready for the finals this year, the entire country is rooting for you. I send you my best wishes. You have what it takes to be world champions. Good luck team India. Jai Hind,” the 76-year-old chairperson of the Indian National Congress’s parliamentary party said.
Indian home minister Amit Shah was at the venue to watch the game. Australian deputy prime minister Richard Marles was also set to attend the game.
Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Shri @AmitShah ji at Narendra Modi Stadium in Amdavad.#BHAvsAUS#INDvsAUS#MotaBhai pic.twitter.com/BevEC7JLsO
— Suresh Nakhua (सुरेश नाखुआ) ?? (@SureshNakhua) November 19, 2023
Celebrities and citizens from all over India were also praying for the country to win their third World Cup crown after 1983 and 2011.