Sports Desk:

Team India celebrates after winning ICC men’s Twenty20 World Cup 2024 final cricket match between India and South Africa at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on June 29, 2024. Photo: AFP

As India basked in the glory of its national cricket team’s victory in the T20 World Cup final on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the team on phone soon afterwards and congratulated its members on their feat.

India defeated South Africa by seven runs in the final on Sunday.

Modi congratulated captain Rohit Sharma for his splendid leadership and appreciated his T20 career. He also lauded Virat Kohli for his innings in the final, besides his overall contribution to Indian cricket. Both Sharma and Kohli announced their retirement from T20 internationals following the win.

Modi praised all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his final over and Suryakumar Yadav for his brilliant catch on the boundary line to dismiss South African batter David Miller. He also talked highly of bowler Jaspreet Bumrah’s contribution.

The prime minister also thanked coach Rahul Dravid for his contribution to Indian cricket.

In posts on X, the prime minister lauded Sharma, Kohli and Dravid.

He told Sharma “You are excellence personified. Your aggressive mindset, batting and captaincy have given a new dimension to the Indian team. Your T20 career will be remembered fondly. Delighted to have spoken to you earlier today.”

To Kohli, Modi said “Like the innings in the finals, you have anchored Indian batting splendidly. You’ve shone in all forms of the game. T20 cricket will miss you but I am confident you’ll continue to motivate the new generation of players.”

Turning to Dravid, the PM said his incredible coaching journey shaped the success of Indian cricket. His unwavering dedication, strategic insights and nurturing the right talent have transformed the team, Modi added.

“India is grateful to him for his contributions and for inspiring generations. We are happy to see him lift the World Cup. Happy to have congratulated him,” he said.

The prime minister said the Indian team showed excellent skill and spirit throughout the tournament. Each player’s commitment was very motivating, he added.