In a jubilant display of camaraderie, batting coach Vikram Rathour shared an emotional embrace with the outstanding Virat Kohli, marking a momentous occasion as the cricket maestro shattered Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most ODI centuries with a stellar 117-run performance.
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The dressing room ambiance was electric after India secured their spot in the World Cup 2023 final, clinching a hard-fought triumph against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium. From Ravichandran Ashwin’s heartfelt gesture of kissing Mohammed Shami’s hand to Yuzvendra Chahal making a congratulatory visit to the dressing room, emotions ran high.
A heartwarming video shared by BCCI captured head coach Rahul Dravid beaming with joy as he embraced players in celebration of their victory. Notably, Dravid shared special moments with Kuldeep Yadav and Shubman Gill, showcasing the tight-knit bonds within the team.
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Shami, the architect of New Zealand’s batting collapse, shared a poignant moment with Ashwin. Expressing his appreciation for Shami’s stellar seven-wicket haul in the semi-finals, Ashwin shook and kissed Shami’s hand. The jubilant bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, couldn’t contain his laughter upon hearing Shami’s witty response, “jawab deke aya hu mai.”
Adding to the post-match euphoria, Shami autographed some bats, and Yuzvendra Chahal warmly embraced key players like Virat Kohli, pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah, and the rising star Ishan Kishan. Kohli, in particular, exchanged words with his former Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate, creating a nostalgic moment.
Turning to the match itself, India’s decision to bat first proved fruitful as they amassed a formidable 397/4 in their 50 overs. Skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a dynamic start with a 71-run opening stand. Despite a resilient partnership from New Zealand’s Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell, Shami’s exceptional seven-wicket haul left the Blackcaps reeling, resulting in India’s commanding 70-run victory.
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As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the outcome of the South Africa vs. Australia semi-final at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens, India’s road to the World Cup final promises more thrilling moments and intense competition.