Former Indian football team captain, Sunil Chhetri, showered accolades on the Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team for their triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup victory. Due to his son sleeping at the time, Chhetri celebrated the momentous win in silence, yet his pride and happiness were palpable. He commended the entire Indian squad for their extraordinary efforts, with a special mention of Suryakumar Yadav, who made a pivotal catch during the game.
Connection Across Sports
Despite being a footballer, Sunil Chhetri has always shared a close bond with the Indian cricket team, particularly with star batsman Virat Kohli. His admiration for the cricket team is well-known, and his praise following their World Cup win was filled with genuine emotion and pride.
Redemption After Disappointment
The victory was especially sweet for Indian cricket fans who were still reeling from the heartbreak of the 2023 ODI World Cup final loss to Australia. The win in Barbados on June 29 not only provided a much-needed balm to their wounds but also ended an 11-year drought for an ICC trophy. Sunil Chhetri’s admiration extended to the leadership duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who announced their retirement from T20I cricket after the victory, marking an emotional conclusion to their illustrious careers.
Emotional Reactions and National Pride
During a UEFA Euro 2024 match broadcast on Sony Sports, Chhetri expressed his joy and pride in the Indian cricket team’s achievement. He remarked, “I celebrated quietly because my son was sleeping. I am really happy for the team. I could see the tears of a lot of our boys. It meant so much to them and the whole country. I am really proud of them. Special shoutout to Suryakumar (Yadav), great catch. Well done, Boy!”
Chhetri continued, “They are all very happy. You know when you go to a tournament, they have been favourites, they have lost finals, they have lost semi-finals, and that’s why it means so much to them. Kudos to them.”
A Parallel Journey
Coincidentally, Chhetri also recently retired from national team duties, concluding a remarkable 19-year career with the Indian football team. He retired as the highest capped player and top goal-scorer for the Blue Tigers, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and excellence. His words of praise for the cricket team resonated deeply, highlighting the mutual respect and camaraderie that exists between Indian athletes across different sports.
