US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, met the “OGs of
cricket” to convey his best wishes to Team India for the World Cup final.
As we approach the final stages of the 2023 ICC
Cricket World Cup, only India and Australia remain to vie for the ultimate
prize.
The championship match is scheduled to take place at
Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.
Members of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team,
including the captain Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, Roger Binny,
Kirti Azad, and Mohinder Amarnath, met with the US Ambassador on Friday.
Garcetti was regaled with triumphant stories by these
legendary players.
Garcetti shared a video on X, showcasing the iconic
players signing bats, engaging in a game of cricket, and imparting the basics
of bowling to the American ambassador.
He also extended his best wishes to the Indian team
ahead of the World Cup final.
“Met the OGs of cricket – ’83 legends Kapil Dev, Sunil
Gavaskar, Roger Binny, Jimmy Amarnath, Kirti Azaad and Ravi Shastri! They
bowled me over with their stories from India’s first cricket World Cup victory!
Rooting for Team India for the World Cup final on Sunday. Men In Blue, you’re
on fire, let’s bring that trophy home once more! BCCI,” Garcetti said on X.
The final at the Narendra Modi Stadium will be a
brilliant occasion, with the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran aerobatic squad
conducting an air show ahead of the match.
India breezed through the group stage, finishing first
with a total of 18 points after winning all nine of their matches.
In the semi-final against New Zealand, Rohit Sharma
batted brilliantly with fellow opener Shubman Gill before Virat Kohli cruised
to his 50th ODI century, passing Sachin Tendulkar. New Zealand were only able
to chase 327, partly because of a century from Daryl Mitchell, and fell 70 runs
short against the hosts.
On the other hand, Australia recovered from defeats to
India and South Africa in their first two matches by winning their remaining
games and qualifying with 14 points.
Pat Cummins’ side got off to a flying start against
South Africa in the semi-finals, keeping South Africa to 24/4. David Miller’s
century gave the Proteas hope, but it was Cummins and Mitchell Starc who would
raise their bats in triumph, clinging on for a three-wicket victory.
ANI
