Why are Team India wearing black armbands on Day 2 of BGT 2024-25 4th Test?

Team India players wore black armbands on Day 2 (Friday, December 27) of the Boxing Day Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 against Australia in Melbourne. They did so to mourn the loss of India's former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Singh, aged 92, died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi on Thursday, December 26. The two-time Prime Minister was admitted to the hospital after a sudden loss of consciousness at his residence.

Team India players sported black armbands to honor the reformist leader. Many fans praised the Rohit Sharma-led side for the gesture.

Dr. Manmohan Singh had an impactful political career. He was the architect of India's economic liberalization in 1991, abolishing the Licence Raj while being the Finance Minister. He was sworn in as the Prime Minister for the first time in 2004 and held the position for two consecutive terms.

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"Nation will always remember Dr. Saheb for his contributions" - Harbhajan Singh pays tribute to the late Dr. Manmohan Singh

Former Team India spinner Harbhajan Singh extended condolences to Dr. Manmohan Singh's family following the former Prime Minister's demise. He hailed the politician as a thorough gentleman and a visionary leader.

Praising Singh's calm and steady leadership during his tenure as India's head of the government, Harbhajan wrote on the microblogging platform X:

"Saddened by the news of sudden demise of former Prime Minister, a thorough gentleman, and a visionary leader, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. What truly set him apart was his calm and steady leadership in times of crisis, his ability to navigate complex political landscapes, and his unwavering belief in India’s potential. Nation will always remember Dr. Saheb for his contributions. My deepest condolences to his family and relatives. Satnam Waheguru."

Dr. Manmohan Singh's last rites will be conducted with full state honors. The Government of India also declared a seven-day mourning following the former Prime Minister's death.

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Day 1 of BGT 2024-25 4th Test was a mixed bag for Team India

Australia won the toss and chose to bat in the fourth BGT 2024-25 Test on Thursday. The hosts were off to an impressive start, courtesy of debutant Sam Konstas' impactful 60-run knock at the top of the order.

Konstas' opening partner Usman Khawaja also notched up a half-century, scoring 57 runs. Australia batters continue to dominate as Marnus Labuschagne (74) and Steve Smith (68*) also crossed the 50-run mark.

Team India had something to cheer about as Jasprit Bumrah sent back the in-form Travis Head for a duck. Australia ultimately finished at 311/6 at Stumps on Day 1 of BGT 2024-25 fourth Test