PM Narendra Modi hugs Mohammed Shami (left) and speaks to Ravindra Jadeja (right) as he visits the Indian team's dressing room after the ICC World Cup 2023 final at the stadium named after him, in Ahmedabad on Sunday night (November 19). India lost the World Cup final to Australia. Images posted on X by Shami and Jadeja.
Viral image: PM Modi hugs shattered Shami after World Cup final loss
After the World Cup 2023 presentation ceremony, PM Modi visited the Indian dressing room and spoke to the players.
After a heartbreaking loss to Australia in the ICC World Cup 2023 final on Sunday night (November 19), Indian players had words of encouragement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi who met them in the dressing room.
At the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India’s 10-match unbeaten run was ended by the Australians. After being sent into bat on a slow pitch, India were restricted to a below-par 240 all out in 50 overs.
In reply, Australia overcame early blows, recovering from 47/3 to win their sixth ODI World Cup title. Travis Head was the batting hero with a magnificent 137. He and Marnus Labuschagne (58 not out) put on a match-winning 192-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
It was a disappointing end to India’s superb World Cup campaign. Captain Rohit Sharma and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj became emotional after the final defeat and were in tears.
PM Modi who was at the stadium to watch the final, along with Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles handed over the World Cup trophy to Australian captain Pat Cummins.
After the World Cup 2023 presentation ceremony, PM Modi visited the Indian dressing room and spoke to the players. World Cup 2023’s highest wicket-taker Mohammed Shami and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja posted pictures of Modi’s visit on their Twitter (X) handles.
Shami, who ended the tournament with 24 wickets, thanked PM Modi for raising players’ spirits. In the picture shared by the fast bowler, Modi is seen comforting Shami holding his head and hugging him.
“Unfortunately yesterday was not our day. I would like to thank all Indians for supporting our team and me throughout the tournament. Thankful to PM @narendramodi for specially coming to the dressing room and raising our spirits. We will bounce back!” Shami wrote.
Jadeja captioned his post, “We had a great tournament but we ended up short yesterday. We are all heartbroken but the support of our people is keeping us going. PM @narendramodi’s visit to the dressing room yesterday was special and very motivating.”
Earlier, in a post on X, Modi wrote, “Dear Team India, Your talent and determination through the World Cup was noteworthy. You've played with great spirit and brought immense pride to the nation. We stand with you today and always.”
In the World Cup final, Indian spinners – Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav went wicketless. Jadeja had figures of 0/43 and Kuldeep 0/56. Shami took one wicket.
Jadeja’s wife Rivaba Jadeja is a BJP MLA from Gujarat. She represents the Jamnagar North constituency. She won the Assembly election last year. Rivaba was at the Narendra Modi Stadium to witness the World Cup final.
