The World Cup encounter between India and Pakistan is expected to be the most-watched game in cricket history. Those not aware that the game is only two days away got a reminder on Twitter. From none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Modi did not show the reticence his predecessor had shown in 2011 before the world cup began. “I have some, but I won’t say the names,” Manmohan Singh had responded when asked about his favourite players.
Modi did not quite name his favourites, but wished every Indian player in the squad individually in a series of 16 personalised tweets – each of the 15 players, barring those without a presence on the micro blogging website, was tagged with his Twitter handle.
While Modi called Virat Kohli flamboyant, adding that the nation has "lots of hopes on him", Mohommad Shami and Ajinkya Rahane were the only two whom he called "friend".
Modi's tweets also showed familiarity with individual records. Rohit Sharma was referred to as "the only batsman to score 2 double centuries in ODIs". There was some fun with Ravindra Jadeja, who was referred to as Sir Jadeja, and a bit of pun too: Bhuvaneshwar Kumar was asked to "swing every match in our favour."
Modi did not show the reticence his predecessor had shown in 2011 before the world cup began. “I have some, but I won’t say the names,” Manmohan Singh had responded when asked about his favourite players.
Modi did not quite name his favourites, but wished every Indian player in the squad individually in a series of 16 personalised tweets – each of the 15 players, barring those without a presence on the micro blogging website, was tagged with his Twitter handle.
While Modi called Virat Kohli flamboyant, adding that the nation has "lots of hopes on him", Mohommad Shami and Ajinkya Rahane were the only two whom he called "friend".
Modi's tweets also showed familiarity with individual records. Rohit Sharma was referred to as "the only batsman to score 2 double centuries in ODIs". There was some fun with Ravindra Jadeja, who was referred to as Sir Jadeja, and a bit of pun too: Bhuvaneshwar Kumar was asked to "swing every match in our favour."
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Good luck @y_umesh. Bowl out the batsmen with your impressive speed & reverse swing.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2015
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
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