Sachin Tendulkar has lauded the Indian cricket team after they claimed only their second ever T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa in the final on Saturday at the Kensington Oval.
India defeated South Africa by seven runs to end its 13-year wait for a World Cup. They last won the T20 World Cup 17 years ago, at the inaugural event.
Over the years they have endured many heartaches, including the one they suffered in West Indies in 2007 in the 50-over format.
“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 T20 World Cup,” Tendulkar posted on X after India’s win before pointing out: “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 T20 World Cup in 2024.”
Tendulkar was part of the 2007 World Cup team which lost to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to crash out in the group stages. That team was led by current India coach Rahul Dravid.
Reports from back then said that irate Indian cricket fans had attacked wicketkeeper MS Dhoni’s house and there were protests against the team in some cities where effigies of the players were burnt.
“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,” Tendulkar said. “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.”
The Indian cricket legend also paid tribute to India captain Rohit Sharma and players like Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli.
“What can one say about Rohit? 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. A total team effort. Hearty congratulations to all the players, coaches, support staff, and BCCI.”
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First uploaded on: 30-06-2024 at 07:57 IST