In a poignant and deeply touching moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a consoling hand to uplift the spirits of the emotionally shaken Indian cricket team following their defeat in the World Cup final against Australia. Despite the trophy being awarded to Australian skipper Pat Cummins, Modi seized the opportunity to personally console the Indian squad, led by captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid.
Witnesses shared that after addressing the entire Indian team, Modi went a step further by approaching each player individually to offer words of encouragement. The gesture was met with gratitude, with standout wicket-taker Mohammad Shami posting a poignant picture on Twitter, showing him resting his head on the Prime Minister’s shoulder. Shami, whose impactful performances significantly contributed to India’s World Cup journey, expressed appreciation for Modi’s visit, highlighting the team’s unwavering effort.
Acknowledging the nation’s support during challenging times, another key player, Jadeja, shared that despite falling short in the final, the backing of the people is what keeps the team going. He specifically pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the dressing room was not only special but highly motivating.
Modi, accompanied by Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Home Minister Amit Shah, chose to watch the second innings from the ground. His presence provided a much-needed boost to the morale of the players, who were grappling with disappointment after a dominant 10-game journey in the World Cup.
Before Modi’s arrival, coach Rahul Dravid addressed the team, focusing on the positives and advising players to look ahead. With his coaching contract concluding with the World Cup, Dravid expressed uncertainty about his future as India’s coach during a post-match press conference. He openly shared the disappointment felt in the dressing room, emphasizing the personal connection he has with the players and the immense effort they invested.
As the Indian cricket team reflects on their World Cup campaign, Modi’s visit serves as a powerful symbol of encouragement. It reminds the players that their hard work and dedication are genuinely appreciated, regardless of the outcome. Although the journey may have ended in defeat, the unwavering support from the nation and the motivational words from the Prime Minister act as a wellspring of strength, potentially paving the way for a triumphant comeback. The cricketing fraternity now awaits the next chapter, where resilience and determination may transform this setback into a stepping stone for future success.
