It’s no surprise that the Prime Minister of a cricket-obsessed nation is a fan of the sport. On Thursday, Narendra Modi sent out a flurry of tweets, much to the amusement of many regular Twitter users, to Indian cricketers highlighting each individual's strengths on (and in Virat Kohli's case, off) the field.
The Indian Prime Minister's encouraging tweets could not have come at a better time. Our cricket team, not exactly in the best shape ahead of the World Cup, needs all the cheerleading it can get as it takes on Pakistan in their first World Cup match in Adelaide on Sunday.
"I wish our flamboyant vice captain (Kohli) the very best for the upcoming campaign," Modi tweeted.
But Modi did not stop at tweeting. He called up his Pakistani counterpart, Nawaz Sharif, along with the heads of other SAARC countries today, to convey his wishes for their teams participating in the World Cup.
Modi tweeted: "Am sure WC will celebrate sportsman spirit and will be a treat for sports lovers." Five SAARC nations are playing this time.
"Cricket connects people in our region and promotes goodwill. Hope players from SAARC region play with passion and bring laurels to the region," he said.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has predicted that India, along with Australia, New Zealand and South Africa will reach the semis during a talk show on Headlines Today.
"The 2011 the team was more balanced. We almost beat South Africa in South Africa," Tendulkar said. India is a better One Day side, Tendulkar contended but said our bowling needs to "step up a bit".
But not many share Modi's enthusiasm about the prospects of India at the WC.
"After the 2011 World Cup, India were the 50-over champions and the number-one ranked Test team. But it all began to unravel within a few months as India limped one from embarrassing overseas Test defeat to the next", wrote Anjali Doshi for Quartz.
"The nadir was losing 2-1 at home to England in 2012-13", she said.
Cricketer Shane Warne had more confidence in a team which has gone through a bad spell recently.
“I just think they haven’t clicked yet. In a World Cup you need your senior players and major players to stand up, and if that happens you’re going to go pretty close to winning it,” The Wall Street Journal quoted Warne as saying in Melbourne.
Here are the tweets that Modi sent out:
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
Good luck @y_umesh. Bowl out the batsmen with your impressive speed & reverse swing.
— 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
The only batsman to score 2 double centuries in ODIs, @ImRo45's talent has millions of fans. Make us proud once again!
— 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 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
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
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