Even as they nurse their broken hearts, Indians are expressing overwhelming support and pride for the Indian team's performance at the 2015 World Cup. After winning seven straight matches in the cricket tournament, India was defeated at the semifinal by Australia on Thursday.
Instead of harping about this one defeat, the public and commentators have show astonishing maturity and compassion in their appraisal of the team.
In FirstPost, Tariq Engineer wrote, "Despite Australia’s commanding position, India did not back down and settle for containment. They continued to hunt wickets and in doing so, showed strength of character and determination. They refused to go quietly into that good night."
Adarsh Vinay wrote a poem on ScoopWhoop. "You can hold your head high, And be proud of what you’ve achieved, Of all the matches you won, Of all the hearts you won. And for getting so close," he writes.
BCCI President Jagmohan Dalmiya congratulated the team for playing "outstanding cricket." "They have indeed displayed some admirable skills while playing the game in its true spirit, and thereby, bringing joy to millions of cricket fans," he said on Friday.
Piloo Bhattacharya, a musician in Kolkata said that he would rather celebrate India's journey to the semifinal, PTI reported. "Instead of deriding the team members, instead of running down Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina, we should egg them on as they had won the hearts of millions of cricket lovers so far in the tournament. The lyrics talk about hope and turnaround in next world cup cricket," he said.
But the aftermath of the loss wasn't without bad behaviour: A sexist attack was launched against actor Anushka Sharma because her boyfriend, Virat Kohli, got out after making one run in the match. Even more shocking is that her effigies were burned in Gwalior. Fearing a backlash from angry fans, India's cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's residence in Ranchi was place under tight security.
Many were far more generous in the face of defeat. Messages of support, especially for Dhoni, poured in on social media channels. Aamir Khan thanked the team on Facebook.
On Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi set the tone shortly after the defeat by pointing out that haar jeet to laggi rehti hai. It is how you play the game that matters.
Victory & defeat are a part of life. Team India played great cricket throughout the tournament. We are proud of them.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 26, 2015
Dhoni is by far the best cricket captain India has ever been led by. While we play armchair critic, he plays his 100% for India each time.
— Mihir Bijur (@MihirBijur) March 27, 2015
#DareToBeDhoni Not a cricket fan bt I support him. He has patience and takes suitable actions in tough times. #Respect
— Himanshi Siwach (@HSiwach) March 27, 2015
A wicketkeeper, A Batsman, A Captain three roles played by 1 player @msdhoni proud of you. Salute and respect for you & team #DareToBeDhoni
— mayank shah (@mayankkshah) March 27, 2015
It's easy to blame @msdhoni & question his captaincy & credibility bt nobody can understand the pain & pressure he went thru. #DareToBeDhoni
— Monika Rawal (@monikarawal) March 27, 2015
Cricket is not the one player game. Its a team game where every player responsible for the defeat.
— khushhalsharma (@gulabinagri) March 27, 2015
#AnushkaSharma slammed for India exit, Really #India ?What a Bunch of sick mentality people who knows only #Cricket and #SachinTendulkar .
— amrit shrestha (@amritshr) March 27, 2015
Dhoni is by far the best cricket captain India has ever been led by. While we play armchair critic, he plays his 100% for India each time.
— Mihir Bijur (@MihirBijur) March 27, 2015
India out of World Cup 2015 from semi finals. / MS Dhoni is one of the best captain of India's Cricket team in Indian history.
— Palas Das (@Palasbond007) March 27, 2015
We Ain't Sure If Anyone Can #DareToBeDhoni. A Perfect Gentleman. No Wonder He's Being Touted As The "Thala" Of Cricket By Most In Tamilnadu.
— Babu No Fear... (@Babu_No_Fear) March 27, 2015
BCCI in India recognises the stupendous efforts of the Indian cricket team in their attempt to regain theWorld Cup.
— Satya Prakash Sharma (@mumbaireporter) March 27, 2015
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