NEW DELHI: Indians reacted with shock and dismay on Wednesday after theirstunning World Cup exit, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailing theteam´s “fighting spirit” and his main rival saying a billion hearts werebroken.
Near the end of the semi-final against New Zealand, with India still inwith a chance, a crowd of some 400-500 fans cheered and danced at every bighit on a big screen at an amphitheatre surrounded by offices in Gurgaonoutside Delhi.
But when MS Dhoni, India´s warhorse, was spectacularly run out by MartinGuptill´s direct hit to follow Ravindra Jadeja back to the pavilion, thefans knew the game was as good as over and most walked out, devastated.
“We are feeling sad, and you can see me, I feel like crying,” said officeworker Neeraj Singh, sobbing, after New Zealand´s dramatic 18-run win.
“We love Team India, we love Kohli, we love Mahi (MS Dhoni) and forever wewill love cricket. And like our boss Kohli has said, Dhoni will forever beour captain in our hearts,” he told AFP.
Fellow fan Prabhdeep Singh said that after India lost early wickets,including that of captain Virat Kohli to reduce the two-time champions to24 for four, Dhoni and Jadeja had given them hope of victory.
“We were thinking we will get the World Cup, but how can I say, we arefeeling very bad and sad now,” he said.
Jayati Arora, another office worker, agreed.
“At the start (of the match) I didn´t think India would win but then ourhopes were increasing. But at the last we lost the match, so I feel verylow and sad.”
Modi said he was still proud.
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“A disappointing result, but good to see #TeamIndia´s fighting spirit tillthe very end,” the prime minister said on Twitter.
“India batted, bowled, fielded well throughout the tournament, of which weare very proud.
“Wins and losses are a part of life.”
Cricketing great VVS Laxman tweeted his congratulations to New Zealandcaptain Kane Williamson and the Black Caps for making it to a secondsuccessive World Cup final.
“Ravindra Jadeja along with Dhoni fought brilliantly and got India so closebut NZ were brilliant with the new ball and that was decisive,” he said.
Rahul Gandhi, until recently the head of the main opposition Congressparty, said: “Though they´re a billion broken hearts tonight, Team India,you put up a great fight and are deserving of our love & respect.”
The Times of India said on its website that New Zealand had “stunned” thenational side, calling the victory target “modest”.
The Hindustan Times said that Jadeja´s “heroics” were “in vain” while theIndian Express ran with “Heartbreak” and a photo of Kohli trudging up thestairs at Old Trafford, bat under his arm, after his early dismissal.-APP/AFP
