India’s fielding medal ceremony after every match has been one of the highlights of the 2023 ODI World Cup, and it was no different after India’s mammoth 302-run win over Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. But even by those lofty standards, Thursday’s ceremony was a cut above the rest as it got a ‘legendary’ touch. None other than Sachin Tendulkar graced the occasion, albeit virtually. The legendary Indian cricketer lauded captain Rohit Sharma and the team management for coming up with a such team bonding exercise.
“Rohit met me the other day and spoke to me about the fielding medal,” Sachin Tendulkar said via video message. “When we were playing in South Africa in 2003, we had a chart. It had ‘I can, we can’ mentioned and every player had to sign that chart before going out on the field. It was all about commitment… that I will give my 100 commitment to the country and the team.”
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He further added, “That is exactly what the current team is doing by giving a fielding medal. It is a reflection of your commitment to do something for your colleague, for your team and for the country. I’ve simply loved the brand of cricket that you have played so far. It’s been a joy to watch.”
Tendulkar’s words were met with rapt attention from the Indian players and support staff, who were all gathered around a giant screen in the dressing room.
At the end of the video, Tendulkar announced Shreyas Iyer as the medal winner for the Sri Lanka match. KL Rahul did the honors of presenting the medal to Iyer amid thunderous cheers from the team. Iyer was a deserving award winner, having been sharp in the field and tremendous with the bat. He scored 82 off just 56 balls, including six sixes, to help India post a mammoth 357 for 8.
Fielding coach T Dilip also gave special mentions to Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, who were both outstanding in the field. Coming back to the match itself, India bowled Sri Lanka out for just 55 runs, the lowest total in ODI World Cup history.
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Mohammed Shami claimed five wickets for 10 runs, while Mohammed Siraj picked up three wickets. Jasprit Bumrah and Jadeja chipped in with a wicket each. With this win, India continued their seven-match unbeaten streak and maintained their position at the top of the points table. They will next take on South Africa in their upcoming match at Eden Garden in Kolkata on Sunday.
