Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reportedly meet members of Team India after their triumphant campaign in the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Team India beat South Africa by 7 runs in the final on Saturday (June 29). With Virat Kohli’s brilliant knock of 76 runs, India posted a competitive total of 176/7 in 20 overs. India were reeling at 34 for 3 in the fifth over after Rohit Sharma opted to bat first before Virat Kohli once again proved why he is considered one of the greats of the modern era.
Apart from Kohli, Axar Patel also played a crucial role by scoring 47 runs. In response, South Africa also started poorly and lost the wickets of Reeza Hendricks and captain Aiden Markram by just 12 runs. However, they soon recovered thanks to a 58-run stand between Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs before a quickfire fifty from Heinrich Klaasen put them on the brink of a historic victory.
At the end of the 16th over, they were at 151 for 4 with Klaasen and David Miller in the middle. However, the Indian bowlers put in a brilliant effort by conceding just 18 runs in the last 4 overs while also taking 4 wickets.
PM Modi to meet India’s stars:
According to reports, after the memorable win in the Caribbean, members of the Indian team will meet Prime Minister Modi. CricketNext reported that senior BCCI officials will plan the encounter and most of the players are likely to be present. Only Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson might miss the event as they will soon leave for Zimbabwe for the five-match T20I series next month.
PM Modi was quick to congratulate Team India on the win and also spoke to captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and head coach Rahul Dravid over the phone. Taking to social media, PM Modi posted special messages for the trio. For Kohli, PM Modi praised him for his match-winning knock and said that T20 cricket will miss him. The PM also paid tribute to Rohit and Dravid.
Dear @ImRo45,
You are excellence personified. Your aggressive mentality, batting and captaincy have given a new dimension to the Indian team. Your T20 career will be fondly remembered. I’m delighted to have spoken to you today. pic.twitter.com/D5Ue9jHaad
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 30, 2024
Dear @imVkohli,
I’m glad I talked to you. Just like the innings in the finals, you have anchored the Indian batting splendidly. You have shined in all forms of the game. T20 cricket will miss you but I am confident that you will continue to motivate the new generation of players. pic.twitter.com/rw8fKvgTbA
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 30, 2024
Rahul Dravid’s incredible coaching career has shaped the success of Indian cricket.
His unwavering dedication, strategic insight and pursuit of the right talent have transformed the team.
India thanks him for his contributions and his ability to inspire future generations. We are… pic.twitter.com/8MKSPqztDV
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 30, 2024