NEW DELHI: In the wake of India’s poignant loss to Australia in the World Cup final, a moment of solace and encouragement emerged as Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a visit to the dejected Indian dressing room.
The images from this unanticipated gesture quickly circulated, showcasing PM Modi shaking hands with players and sharing a warm hug with Mohammad Shami, the tournament’s highest wicket-taker.
Former cricketer Virender Sehwag and ex-coach Ravi Shastri have lauded this ‘rare gesture,’ emphasising its significance in lifting the spirits of a disappointed team.Speaking to ANI, Sehwag, known for his aggressive style on the field, expressed his admiration for the Prime Minister’s decision to meet the players directly in the dressing room.

“It is very rare for a Prime Minister to meet players in the dressing room and lift their spirits after a crushing defeat. It was an incredible gesture by Prime Minister Modi to visit the dressing room and boost the morale of the boys,” Sehwag remarked, underlining the emotional impact of such support during testing times.

The images captured PM Modi holding hands with skipper Rohit Sharma and batting talisman Virat Kohli, conveying a message of solidarity. Sehwag, recognizing the rarity of leaders visiting the dressing room post-defeat, stressed the importance of this gesture, noting, “In such lows, you need someone to comfort you like family members do.”

Contrary to this support, some Opposition leaders sought to place blame on PM Modi for India’s defeat. Sehwag swiftly dismissed this notion, asserting, “You don’t lose a World Cup final because of any single individual.”
He remained optimistic about the team’s future, stating, “Our loss to Australia will spur us to chase glory in the next World Cup final.”
Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of the Indian cricket team, echoed Sehwag’s sentiments, hailing PM Modi’s visit as an “outstanding gesture.” Shastri, who has spent years in the intense environment of the dressing room, emphasised the impact of having the Prime Minister offer encouragement during such crucial moments.
“When you have the Prime Minister of a country walking into the dressing room, it is special. I know what the players would have felt like, I know what I would have felt like if I was a coach of India at that moment,” Shastri expressed, highlighting the significance of the visit.

Sehwag also took a swipe at the Opposition leaders’ critical remarks, urging unified support for the team.
“Everyone was behind this team when they were doing so well. And, on a rare bad day in the office, when they lost the final, everyone should have come out in their support instead of making such remarks,” he commented, underlining the need for consistent encouragement.
The former opener went on to stress the rarity of a Prime Minister visiting the dressing room after a defeat, emphasising that PM Modi’s gesture would serve as an inspiration not just for cricket but also for other sports.
“There are few PMs or leaders who visit a dressing room after a defeat. Hence, for PM Modi to visit our boys and lift their spirits would serve as a motivation,” Sehwag added.
Ravi Shastri, reflecting on the impact of the visit, said, “It is something massive because it can lift the spirits of the players. This is no ordinary man walking in. When you have the Prime Minister of a country walking into the dressing room, it is special.”
(With inputs from ANI)