On Saturday, the Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, ended an 11-year wait for an ICC title by outplaying South Africa in the final of the T20 World Cup 2024. The last time India secured an ICC title was in 2013 when they won the Champions Trophy under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. India’s previous T20 World Cup victory also came with Dhoni at the helm. Naturally, Dhoni’s reaction to this triumph was highly anticipated.
MS Dhoni, who rarely posts on social media, broke his silence to congratulate the team. He wrote on Instagram, “WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS 2024. My heart rate was up, well done on being calm, having the self-belief and doing what you guys did. From all the Indians back home and everywhere in the world, a big thank you for bringing the World Cup Home. CONGRATULATIONS. Arreeee, thanks for the priceless birthday gift.”
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Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar also expressed his delight on social media, celebrating India’s achievement. He noted that the country now has a ‘fourth star,’ referencing the two 50-over World Cup wins in 1983 and 2011, and the inaugural 2007 World T20 victory. “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 T20WC,” he wrote on ‘X’.
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 @T20WorldCup.
Life comes full circle for Indian cricket in the West Indies. From our lows in the 2007 ODI World… pic.twitter.com/HMievynpsE
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 29, 2024
Tendulkar, who was part of the Indian team that faced an early exit in the 2007 50-overs World Cup, remarked on the full-circle moment for Indian cricket. “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 T20WC in 2024,” he said.
He also praised Rahul Dravid, who missed out on the 2011 World Cup win, but significantly contributed to this T20 World Cup victory. “Very happy for my friend Rahul Dravid. His contribution to this T20 World Cup victory has been immense. I am so, so happy for him.”
Tendulkar commended Rohit Sharma’s captaincy and the entire squad’s efforts. “What can one say about Rohit Sharma? Superb captaincy! To put the 2023 ODI World Cup loss behind and keep all our players motivated towards the T20 World Cup is commendable.” He also highlighted the performances of Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli, stating, “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.”
He concluded by acknowledging the team’s collective effort, saying, “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. A total team effort. Hearty congratulations to all the players, coaches, support staff, and BCCI.”
