Dear Indian Cricket Team, Thank You

The fans of the Indian Cricket Team are experiencing a whirlpool of emotions right now. No, they are not aggrieved or huffy. Neither are they sad. They are full of gratitude, respect, love and above all, pride.

While in a country where every loss by the team is accompanied by despicable criticism from easily offended fans, there is a happy twist to the archetypal story this time. Even amidst the two irresponsible no balls which cost us a berth in the finals, there is much love and respect for the team, which gave us so much to celebrate during the Super 10 stage.

Here is a small thank you note to few of the integral members of the team, for the moments when they gave us unparalleled joy and indissoluble pride. In no particular order, rank or preference, here are the memories which will be etched in our hearts for a long long time.

MS Dhoni

India Vs Bangladesh

If there is one man in the entire cricket fraternity who can win a lost game for us, not with a last ball six or a wicket, but with flash-as-a-blink stumping, it can be you alone. The last ball craze was such that it garnished acknowledgment from even the rivals bordering us.

Thank you for making our hearts thump both in excitement and delight and winning us a miraculous encounter. For fans who have closely followed your journey of cricket as captain cool, finest finisher, and a legendary wicket-keeper, it hurts to see you being addressed as the losing captain during the post-match presentation.

Virat Kohli

Throughout the tournament

Seldom does cricket produce men who are as consistent as Virat Kohli. No, seriously, this is rare and phenomenal. We have come to a point where the team is impossible to be imagined without you.

Flamboyant strokes, gusty innings and fervent emotions on the field throughout the tournament, you achieved much more than just the numerical records. Our favorite moments - dancing to ‘Mauka Mauka’ once again and tasting the revengeful victory over the Kangaroos. And we owe it to you.

Not to forget, your brilliant semi-final knock too gave us a lot to cheer about amidst the doom. Thank you.

Hardik Pandya

India Vs Bangladesh, India Vs Pakistan

Your last over magic from the match against Bangladesh needs no introduction. And the gymnastic catch off Sharjeel Khan’s shot needs no highlights to me remembered. While things may not have worked out well in your favor in the semi-final, you still have a long career to win us many more matches!

Ravichandran Ashwin

India Vs Bangladesh

Well before Dhoni’s lightning stumping or Pandya’s superlative last over, it was you who turned the match in our favor when the opponents were tantalizingly close to an easy chase. Thank you for turning a possible blinder from Shakib to only a cameo and giving us enough scope for hope during the match.

P.S – we love your composed yet electrifying, inimitable style of celebrating wickets!

Jasprit Bumrah

India Vs Bangladesh, India Vs West Indies warm-up/semi-final

With a comfortable 17 needed from 12 balls, it was you who rescued the team from a collapse, giving only 6 runs off 6 balls Vs neighbors Bangladesh. From a dark horse to a warrior, you proved your brilliance in both the matches against the Caribbeans with the mighty wicket of powerhouse Chris Gayle.

Bowled him, and bowled us over!

You guys are the champions. Champions of the heart. Cut our fingers and we are still bleeding blue, proudly.