World Champion Team India

T20 World Cup had a glorious ending last night with India deservingly lifting the cup. The winning streak that started with the first match against Ireland continued till the very end and during the course of this roller coaster ride – roller coaster because pitches in US were batters’ graveyard- the new order clearly emerged that can be summarised as below:

(1) Team India no longer depends on one or two icons – it thrives on the contribution by each and every individual. Gone are the days when we would switch off TVs once the top 2-3 guys were out cheaply. This team bats deep with Ravindra Jadeja at no.8.

(2) There are no weak links in the bowling spearheaded by the world’s best bowler Boom boom Bumrah. The captain now has the luxury – he sparingly used the frontline spinner Jadeja and the seventh bowler Shivam Dube was used only once!

(3) India doesn’t have to worry about toss. Batters can chase any target and bowlers can defend any total! This is a rare attribute of all departments being equally strong.

(4) India currently is spoilt for choices. Look at the team that’s going to Zimbabwe for a T20 series, led by Shubhman Gill. All these players will eminently qualify to be the members of the team winning T20 World Cup.

(5) IPL heroes – Sanju Samson, Yajuvender Chahal, Rinku Singh – didn’t get to play any game as none of the playing members gave up any opportunity to contribute.

(6) And there cannot be a more befitting farewell to icons Rohit and Virat and Indian coach Rahul “ the Wall” Dravid for all of whom yesterday’s game was their last international T20! Seldom does one get to see so many icons together at the same time.

Another very positive outcome of this victory is the unprecedented love and appreciation that this team got from Pakistanis, including the masses. Once their national team was ousted, they chose to support Team India and this spirit of bonhomie and mutual appreciation should be capitalised upon to build bridges.

Congratulations Team India and thanks to all those who represented India, including officials, coaches, physios, standbys etc, with very very special thanks and best of luck to Rohit, Virat and Rahul! Party that started last night immediately after the result should not end but continued.