‘Triumph or defeat, I love you, always’: Politicians praise Team India’s World Cup journey after heartbreaking loss in the final

Politicians found common ground in praising the Rohit Sharma-led team’s exceptional World Cup campaign and declared that the entire nation loves Team India, whether they win or lose.

ICC World Cup Final 2023: Leaders from both sides of the political spectrum congratulated Team India on their extraordinary World Cup campaign, which ultimately culminated in a disappointing defeat in the tournament final on Sunday, thanks to a great all-round performance from Australia.

While it was undoubtedly a disappointing result for Indian cricket fans, politicians found common ground in praising the Rohit Sharma-led team’s exceptional World Cup campaign and declaring that the entire nation loves the team whether they win or lose.

‘Standing with you today and always’

In a post on social media, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Team India for their “commendable performance”, which brought immense pride to the nation. Prime Minister Modi said the country stands with Team India, “today and always”.

“Dear Team India, your talent and determination during the World Cup were remarkable. You played with great spirit and made the nation immensely proud,” PM Modi said in a message on X after India lost to Australia by six wickets.

“We stand by your side today and always,” the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Modi, who witnessed the final hour of the match along with Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, also congratulated the Australian team for their “magnificent triumph”.

“Congratulations to Australia on a brilliant World Cup victory! Their performance throughout the tournament was commendable, culminating in a stunning victory. Kudos to Travis Head for his remarkable game today,” PM Modi said in another post.

“I love you anyway”

On a similar note, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi praised the Men in Blue for their stellar World Cup performance and said, “Win ​​or lose – we love you either way.”

“Team INDIA, you played well throughout the tournament! Win or lose – we love you either way and we will win the next one. Congratulations to Australia for a well-deserved World Cup victory,” the Gandhi scion said in a post on X.

Similarly, Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised Team India for delivering memorable performances at the World Cup and expressed confidence that the national team will “emerge even stronger”.

“Our team played exceptionally well throughout the World Cup and delivered memorable performances. True sportsmanship means emerging stronger from both victories and setbacks. I am convinced that you will emerge even stronger,” said the Minister of the Interior.

Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said that despite the “defeat stinging”, the Indian team showed perseverance and fought bravely till the end.

“Defeat is painful, but the resilience of our team shines brighter than any scoreboard,” Thakur said.

“Today, at the World Cup, we fought bravely to the last ball, showing courage, skill and unwavering determination. Although victory eluded us this time, our players fought with passion, proving that true champions rise no matter the outcome. We stand strong and are proud of the spirit and sportsmanship of our team,” he said.

‘India has won hearts’

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge praised the team for their exemplary talent and sportsmanship and said “India won hearts” with the way they played throughout the tournament.

“Your talent and sportsmanship were visible in the game. Every Indian is proud of your remarkable performance during the World Cup. We will always cheer for you and cherish your achievements,” Kharge said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also praised Team India’s exceptional World Cup journey and added that the team made the nation proud.

“India may have missed out on the trophy, but their journey in the World Cup was nothing short of exceptional. They fought hard, played excellent cricket and showed brilliance in every match. Kudos to our boys for making the nation proud during the tournament,” the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief said.

‘In triumph and defeat’

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar thanked the Indian team for making “billions of hearts beat with joy” during their run to the World Cup final and the nation is behind the team in both victory and defeat.

“Team India has made billions of hearts beat with joy with your run to the final. Country stands with you in both triumph and defeat,” the veteran leader said.

In the same vein, Union Minister Smriti Irani praised the resilience and perseverance of the Indian team during their World Cup journey.

“Team India’s journey in the ICC World Cup 2023 has been nothing short of extraordinary! Their perseverance, resilience and teamwork made every match an exciting spectacle. You have won our hearts, champions,” Irani said.

Australia defeated India by six wickets in the final on Sunday to win the ICC ODI World Cup for the sixth time.