Indian cricketing legends including Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar lauded the T20 World Cup title triumph, saying it will inspire the country’s “aspiring kids to move closer to their dreams.” Dhoni, India’s first T20 World Cup champions, led a chorus of former and current cricketers in lauding Rohit Sharma’s side for winning the title after 17 years, which beat South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling final in Barbados on Saturday.
Former captain Dhoni, who led India to their maiden title in South Africa in 2007, praised the team for maintaining composure during adversities in the game.
“World Cup champions 2024. My heart rate was up, congratulations for keeping calm, being confident and doing what you guys did,” Dhoni wrote on Instagram.
“On behalf of all Indians and the whole world, thank you very much for bringing the World Cup to us. Congratulations. Thank you for this priceless birthday gift,” Dhoni, who turns 43 early next month, said.
Legendary batsman Tendulkar took to social media to express his happiness over India’s achievement and said the country has now found its “fourth star” after winning two 50-over World Cups in 1983 and 2011 as well as the historic triumph in the inaugural World T20 in 2007.
He wrote on ‘X’, “Every star on Team India’s jersey inspires the dream kids of our country to move one step closer to their dreams. India has got its fourth star, our second star in the T20 World Cup.”
Tendulkar, who was a member of the Indian team that made a first-round exit in the 2007 50-over World Cup, said life has come a circle.
He said, “The circle of life has come full circle for Indian cricket in the West Indies. From our worst performance in the 2007 ODI World Cup to becoming a cricket superpower and winning the T20 World Cup in 2024.”
“Very happy for my friend Rahul Dravid, who missed out on winning the 2011 World Cup, but his contribution to this T20 World Cup victory has been huge. I am very happy for him.” Praising Rohit’s captaincy and the contribution of other team members, Tendulkar said, “What can be said about Rohit Sharma? Brilliant captaincy! It is commendable to leave behind the 2023 ODI World Cup defeat and motivate all his players for the T20 World Cup.” He said, “Jasprit Bumrah’s Player of the Tournament award and Virat Kohli’s Player of the Match award are both well deserved. They performed brilliantly when needed.”
“Along with Rahul, Paras Mahambre and Vikram Rathore also made their international debuts in 1996. It was wonderful to see Team India perform so well under the guidance of this class of 1996.” Tendulkar further said, “A complete team effort. Hearty congratulations to all the players, coaches, support staff and BCCI.”
Gavaskar said winning the trophy is like scoring a century.
“It’s a great win after a long time. Earlier I used to say India were scoring 90s but not hundreds as they were reaching the semi-finals and finals. Now they have scored a century and it is a great century,” the former India captain told PTI.
From VVS Laxman to Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly to Gautam Gambhir, everyone praised this magnificent achievement in one voice.
VVS Laxman, the current head of the National Cricket Academy, wrote on Instagram: “Congratulations to Team India on becoming the T20 World Champions. The best team in the tournament and remained undefeated throughout the tournament.”
“The team showed great grit and character to come from the position we were in with five overs to spare and win. Credit must go to every player for performing so brilliantly under Rohit’s leadership and capitalising on the opportunity,” he added.
Ace spinner and 2011 World Cup winner Ravichandran Ashwin jubilantly said, “We are the champions!”
Former Indian captain and head coach Anil Kumble wrote, “Congratulations Team India! Great win.” Former spinner Harbhajan Singh wrote, “This is my India. We are champions, we are proud of you guys.”
Yuvraj Singh, the ambassador of the T20 World Cup to be held in the USA, personally praised all the key members of the team.
“You did it boys! @hardikpandya7 you are a hero! @Jaspritbumrah93 what an over to bring India back in the game! @ImRo45 superb captaincy under pressure! @imVkohli #RahulDravid and the entire team indiavssa #ICCT20WorldCup2024,” he wrote.
“Well played @akshar2026 @IamShivamDube. Koi reh toh nahi gaya! Ahhh @surya_14kumar what a catch under pressure,” Yuvraj said and wondered if he had missed someone by mistake.
Gautam Gambhir, hero of two T20 World Cup finals and India’s future coach, wrote, “Champions!” Earlier, Sachin Tendulkar, a legend who has spoken about his greatest moments in the game, wrote, “Chak de India!!!!” Former India captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly also congratulated the team.
“Hearty congratulations to Rohit Sharma and his team… what a game to win… the World Cup may happen in 11 (13) years but with the talent the country has, they will win many more…” Ganguly added, “Bumrah has been absolutely magical… Virat, Axar, Hardik and everyone has performed well… Rahul Dravid and the support staff… what a proud moment.”
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