Indian cricketers, preparing for the 2015 ICC World Cup, received a boost on Thursday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his wishes to the team ahead of the mega event.
The World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, begins on February 14 with India slated to take on Pakistan the next day.
“As the 2015 Cricket World Cup begins, my best wishes to the Indian cricket team,” tweeted Mr. Modi, who wished the members individually.
He motivated skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni with, “My best wishes to captain cool. Play hard, lead well and make India proud. Knowing you, I am sure you will.”
“I wish our flamboyant vice captain the very best for the upcoming campaign. The entire nation has a lot of hopes on him,” Mr. Modi said in his message to Virat Kohli, the most consistent batsman in the Test series against Australia.
As the 2015 Cricket World Cup begins, my best wishes to the Indian Cricket Team. खेलो दिल से, वर्ल्ड कप लाओ फिर से!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >February 12, 2015
Sounding as casual as any of the million fan boys pinging the players' twitter handles, the PM addressed Dhoni as 'captain cool', Kohli as 'flamboyant' and Ravinder Jadeja as, of course, Sir Jadeja.
My best wishes to captain cool >@msdhoni . Play hard, lead well & make India proud. Knowing you, I am sure you will.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >February 12, 2015
I wish our flamboyant vice captain >@imVkohli the very best for the upcoming campaign. The entire nation has a lot of hopes on him.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >February 12, 2015
Best wishes >@SDhawan25 ! Give India a wonderful start every time you step on the pitch. Score many many runs, we are all there to cheer you.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >February 12, 2015
I wish you the very best my young friend >@ajinkyarahane88 . Have a wonderful World Cup. Make the most of this great opportunity.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >February 12, 2015
I wish you the very best my young friend >@ajinkyarahane88 . Have a wonderful World Cup. Make the most of this great opportunity.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >February 12, 2015
Suresh Raina has always been agile on the field & hard-hitting with the bat. Hit them out of the park, including the bouncers :) >@ImRaina
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >February 12, 2015
Have a great tournament >@RayuduAmbati . I am sure you will keep the runs coming & play a key role in the tournament.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >February 12, 2015
Who is not a fan of Sir Jadeja? We all look forward to seeing your all round performances take India to victory! >@imjadeja
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >February 12, 2015
The young Axar Patel can trick the batsmen with his sharp spin & bounce. Give your best & play without pressure!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >February 12, 2015
Best of luck >@BhuviOfficial ! Swing every match in our favour. Your breakthroughs will determine how fast we will win those matches!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >February 12, 2015
Our young fast bowler Mohit Sharma can bowl a great line & length. He is a great asset to the team. Best of luck.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >February 12, 2015
I wish my young & extremely talented friend, Mohammed Shami the very best for the World Cup. Play well & get those wickets.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >February 12, 2015
Stuart Binny’s recent all round performances have impressed all. We wish him all the best for the World Cup.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >February 12, 2015
Good luck >@y_umesh . Bowl out the batsmen with your impressive speed & reverse swing.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >February 12, 2015
I am sure your spin bowling will surprise the batsman & give us victory. Play well >@Ashwinravi99 ! My good wishes.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >February 12, 2015
