NEW DELHI: The Indian cricket community, including legends Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, celebrated the team’s victory in the T20 World Cup, stating that it will encourage the nation’s “starry-eyed children to move one step closer to their dreams”.
After India defeated South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling Barbados final on Saturday, Rohit Sharma’s team was praised by a chorus of former and present cricket players for winning the trophy for the first time in 17 long years.
Former captain Dhoni, who captained India to their first-ever championship victory in South Africa in 2007, complimented the group for remaining composed in the face of adversity.
“WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS 2024. My heart rate was up, well done on being calm, having the self belief and doing what u guys did,” (sic) Dhoni wrote on Instagram.
“From all the Indians back home and everywhere in the world a big thank you for bringing the World Cup Home. CONGRATULATIONS.arreeee thanks for the priceless birthday gift,” said Dhoni, who will turn 43 early next month.
The great Tendulkar took to social media to celebrate India’s accomplishment, stating that after two World Cup victories in the 50-over format in 1983 and 2011, as well as the historic victory in the first-ever World T20 in 2007, the nation now has a “fourth star.”
“Every star added to the Team India jersey inspires our nation’s starry-eyed children to move one step closer to their dreams. India gets the 4th star, our second in T20WC,” he wrote on ‘X’.
Tendulkar, who played for India in the 2007 50-over World Cup and was part of the team that lost in the first round, claimed that everything in his life had come full circle, according to PTI.
“Life comes full circle for Indian cricket in the West Indies. From our lows in the 2007 ODI World Cup to becoming a cricketing powerhouse and winning the T20WC in 2024,” he said.
“Very happy for my friend Rahul Dravid, who missed out on the 2011 World Cup win but his contribution to this T20 World Cup victory has been immense. I am so so happy for him.”
Hailing Rohit’s captaincy and the contributions of the other squad members, Tendulkar said, “What can one say about Rohit Sharma? Superb captaincy! To put the 2023 ODI World Cup loss behind and to keep all our players motivated towards the T20 World Cup is commendable.”
“Jasprit Bumrah’s Player of the Tournament award as well as Virat Kohli’s Player of the Match award are both well-deserved. They were just superb when it mattered,” he added.
“Along with Rahul, Paras Mhambrey and Vikram Rathour also made their international debuts in 1996. It was wonderful to see Team India excel under the guidance of this class of ’96.”
“A total team effort. Hearty congratulations to all the players, coaches, support staff, and BCCI,” Tendulkar continued.
Gavaskar compared taking home the prize to eventually hitting a hundred.
“It is a great win after such a long time. Earlier, I kept saying that India was getting 90s but not getting centuries because they were reaching semi-finals and finals. Now, they have got a century and what a wonderful century this is,” the former India captain told PTI.
From VVS Laxman to Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly to Gautam Gambhir, everyone praised the stupendous achievement in unison.
“Congratulations Team India on becoming the T20 World Champions. Been the best team in the tournament remaining unbeaten throughout,” VVS Laxman, current head of the National Cricket Academy wrote on X.
“Great composure and character shown by the team to win this from the situation we were in with 5 overs remaining. Every player deserves credit for giving it their all and rising to the occasion and wonderfully led by Rohit,” he added.
“We are champions!” rejoiced ace spinner and 2011 World Cup winner Ravichandran Ashwin.
Former India captain and head coach Anil Kumble wrote, “Congratulations team India! Wonderful victory.”
“YEH MERA INDIA. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS. SO PROUD OF YOU GUYS. (This is my India. We are the champions, so proud of you guys.),” wrote former spinner Harbhajan Singh.
An ambassador for the T20 World Cup in the Americas, Yuvraj Singh individually praised all the key members of the side.
“You did it boys ! @hardikpandya7 your a hero ! @Jaspritbumrah93 what an over to bring India back in the game ! Extremely ecstatic for @ImRo45 great captaincy under pressure ! @imVkohli #Rahul Dravid and the whole team indiavssa #ICCT20WorldCup2024,” he wrote.
“Well played @akshar2026 @IamShivamDube. koi reh to nahi gaya ! Oh @surya_14kumar what a catch under pressure,” Yuvraj added, wondering if he mistakenly did not leave out anyone.
Hero of two T20 World Cup finals and India’s would be coach Gautam Gambhir wrote, “CHAMPIONS!”
Former India captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly also congratulated the side.
“Heartiest congratulations to Rohit sharma and his team .. what a game to win .. may be a World Cup in 11 (13) yrs but the talent the country has ,they will win many more ..” (Sic)
“Bumrah is absolutely magic .. well done Virat,axar ,Hardik and every one .. rahul Dravid and the support staff .. what a proud moment,” (sic) Ganguly added.
