The final clash of the ODI World Cup 2023 that unfolded between India and Australia on Sunday was a star-studded affair, with the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the biggest cricketing arena on the globe, playing host to a historic encounter. Among the distinguished attendees were India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, both witnessing Australia’s triumph over the dominant Indian side in a historic cricketing battle.

India’s dismal batting display

Batting first, India showcased a formidable start, amassing 80 runs in the initial ten overs. However, the departure of skipper Rohit Sharma triggered a collapse in the Indian batting order. Despite commendable knocks by Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, the Men in Blue struggled to maintain momentum, ultimately posting a total of 240 runs in 50 overs.

Australia’s resilience and triumph

Amidst the early setbacks, Australia exhibited resilience, bouncing back with a remarkable century by Travis Head and a crucial half-tonne from Marnus Labuschagne. The Pat Cummins-led side showcased unwavering determination, securing their sixth ODI World Cup title by reaching the target of 241 runs in just 43 overs on the loss of four wickets.

Also READ – From 1975 to 2023: List of ODI World Cup Winning Captains, Player of the Match in Final & Player of the Tournament

PM Narendra Modi’s consoling embrace

In the aftermath of India’s heart-wrenching loss, Modi, accompanied by Home Minister Amit Shah, entered the inner sanctum of the Indian Cricket Team’s dressing room. A consoling chit-chat unfolded as Modi acknowledged the squad members’ herculean efforts, turning a moment of defeat into an opportunity for collective reflection and inspiration.

As the echoes of triumph and turmoil reverberate through the ODI World Cup 2023, the memories in the grand Narendra Modi Stadium will endure. Beyond the statistical outcomes, the tournament showcased the resilience, sportsmanship, and camaraderie that make cricket a global phenomenon.

Also READ: Virat Kohli’s odyssey in ICC Tournaments: A tale of brilliance and heartaches

Here is the video:

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Team India in their dressing room after the ICC World Cup Finals at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on 19th November.

The PM spoke to the players and encouraged them for their performance throughout the tournament.

(Video:�pic.twitter.com/ZqYIakoIIj

— ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2023

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Before the action in the 4th Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, March 9, there was a display of cricket diplomacy. The occasion marked 75 years of the relationship between the two countries, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese were the special guests at the world’s biggest cricket stadium.

Ravi Shastri hosted a mini ceremony that included the two Prime Ministers and the two team captains before the toss.

During the ceremony, PM Modi presented Rohit Sharma with a special Test cap, while PM Anthony presented Steve Smith with a new Baggy Green. The Indian Prime Minister then urged them all to pose for photographers with raised arms.

The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji presents the special cap to #TeamIndia captain @ImRo45 while The Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese presents the cap to Australia captain Steve Smith.@narendramodi | @PMOIndia | #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/8RH70LOx0v

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023

After the toss was done, PM Modi and PM Anthony joined the two teams during the national anthems. Captain Rohit Sharma introduced all the India players to PM Modi, while Steve Smith did the same to PM Anthony.

A special welcome & special handshakes! đź‘Ź

The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji and the Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese meet #TeamIndia & Australia respectively. @narendramodi | @PMOIndia | #TeamIndia | #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/kFZsEO1H12

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023

Smith won the toss and opted to bat first, giving Australia an early advantage in the game. India made only one change to their XI, resting Mohammed Siraj and bringing back Mohammed Shami. The visiting camp showed confidence by going in with an unchanged XI.

Teams for the 4th India vs Australia Test

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Srikar Bharat (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav

Australia (Playing XI): Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith (c), Peter Handscomb, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Todd Murphy, Matthew Kuhnemann, Nathan Lyon.

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India Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently wrote an emotional letter, thanking MS Dhoni for his contribution towards Indian cricket.

PM Modi posted a lengthy message for Dhoni, who retired from international cricket on August 15 after a decorated 16-year career.

Modi hailed the former India skipper for his achievements and the laurels that he won for the country during a 16-years long illustrious career.

Here is the full text of the letter:

Dear Mahendra Singh Dhoni,

On August 15, in your trademark unassuming style you shared a short video that was enough to become a long and passionate discussion point for the entire nation. 130 crore Indians were disappointed but also eternally grateful for all that you have done for Indian cricket in the last decade-and-a-half.

One way to look at your cricketing career is through the prism of statistics. You have been one of the most successful captains, instrumental in taking India to the top of the world charts. Your name will go down in history as being one of the world’s batting greats, among the greatest cricketing captains and certainly one of the best wicketkeepers the game has seen.

Your dependability in tough situations and your style of finishing matches, particularly the 2011 World Cup Final, will forever be etched in the public memory for generations. But, the name Mahendra Singh Dhoni will not be remembered merely for his career statistics or specific match-winning roles. Looking at you as just a sportsperson would be injustice. The correct way to assess your impact is as a phenomenon!

Rising from humble beginnings in a small town, you burst onto the national scene, made a name for yourself and most importantly made India proud. Your rise and conduct thereafter gives strength and inspiration to crores of youngsters who like you have not been to cushy schools or colleges, neither do they belong to illustrious families but they have the talent to distinguish themselves at the highest levels.

You have been one of the important illustrations of the spirit of New India, where family name does not make young people’s destiny but they make their own names and their own destinies.

Where we come from does not matter as long as we know where we are headed �this is the spirit that you have exuded and inspired many youngsters with.

Many of your memorable on-field moments exemplify a particular generation of Indians. This generation of Indians does not hesitate to take risks and back each other’s abilities in even the toughest situations�seen in the way you took risks many a time in backing little known youngsters to deliver in high pressure situations. The 2007 T-20 World Cup Finals is a perfect example of this spirit.

This generation of Indians does not lose their nerve in decisive situations; we saw that in many of your innings and games.

Our youth does not lose heart in the face of adversity and, most importantly, are fearless, just like the team you led.

No matter what hairstyle you sported, your calm head remained the same in victory or defeat, which is a very important lesson for every youth.

I would like to also mention your special association towards India’s armed forces. You were most happy being among our army personnel. Your concern towards their welfare has always been remarkable.

I hope Sakshi and Ziva get to spend more time with you. I convey my good wishes to them as well, because without their sacrifices and support nothing would have been possible. Our youth could also learn from you how to balance professional and personal priorities; I remember seeing a picture of you playing with your cute daughter even as everyone around you was celebrating a victory in a particular tournament! That was vintage MS Dhoni.

Wishing you the very best for your future endeavours.

Yours,

Narendra Modi

MS Dhoni grateful to PM Narendra Modi for his kind words

Dhoni, on Thursday, took to Twitter to thank PM Modi for acknowledging and appreciating his work.

“An Artist, Soldier and Sportsperson what they crave for is appreciation, that their hard work and sacrifice is getting noticed and appreciated by everyone. thanks PM @narendramodi for your appreciation and good wishes,” Dhoni tweeted.

http://twitter.com/msdhoni/status/1296362680580636672

The Ranchi-born Mahi ended his ODI career after playing 350 matches, scoring 10,773 runs and effecting 444 dismissals. He holds the record for most dismissals in T20 internationals with 91 in 98 games.

Overall, Dhoni amassed over 17,000 international runs across formats, including 16 centuries, and more than 800 victims as wicketkeeper.

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