Virat Kohli's match-winning knock of an unbeaten 82 off 53 balls against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup match in Melbourne today has drawn wholesome praise from across the country's political spectrum.
"The India team bags a well fought victory! Congratulations for an outstanding performance today. A special mention to Virat Kohli for a spectacular innings in which he demonstrated remarkable tenacity. Best wishes for the games ahead," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.
While Kohli himself said "It just happens", commenting on today's incredible victory, leaders of political parties were full of appreciation for the former India captain's sparkling knock and the Indian team's resilience that made a near-impossible possible.
Hailing India's victory as heralding the Diwali festivities, Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted: "A perfect way to start the T20 World Cup. Deepawali begins. What a cracking innings by @imVKohli. Congratulations to the entire team."
Referring to India's win as "one of the greatest victories under pressure", former Congress President Rahul Gandhi wished the team "best of luck" for the upcoming matches in the tournament.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee conveyed her "heartiest congratulations to Team India on their phenomenal victory against Pakistan". In a tweet, the Trinamool Congress supremo wrote: "Heartiest congratulations to Team India on their phenomenal victory against Pakistan. The performance of our cricketers was truly a delight to watch."
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said that he even refused to take a scheduled flight from Goa this morning and instead opted for a 9.55pm flight because he didn't want to miss the India-Pakistan match on television. He later tweeted that he was "thrilled to see one of the great matches of this tournament".
Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, while congratulating Kohli and Team India for the thrilling win in their opening match of the T20 World Cup campaign, exuded confidence that India will go all the way to win the tournament. "Virat's excellent game led India to a spectacular victory against Pakistan. Congratulations to Team India and all the countrymen for India's winning start in the World T20. Keeping this winning streak, we will win the World Cup as well," he tweeted.
Reacting to India's win off the last ball of the match, AAP leader Manish Sisodia said it was "an exceptional victory after such a hard-fought match for India". In a tweet, the Delhi Deputy Chief Minister said: "Congratulations, team! Diwali celebrations have begun early across the country, thanks to your brilliance on the field today. Keep shining."
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