New Delhi, June 29 (Petra) – India's first T20 world champion Mahendra Singh Dhoni led a chorus of cricketers past and present in congratulating Rohit Sharma's men for reclaiming the trophy after 17 long years, beating South Africa by seven runs in a spirited final in Bridgetown on Saturday.

Former captain Dhoni, who led India to their maiden title in 2007 in South Africa, praised the team for remaining calm during the adversity of the match.

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“World Cup 2024 Champion. My heart rate is high, kudos for staying calm, confident and doing what you do,” Dhoni wrote on Instagram.

“On behalf of all Indians across the country and around the world, thank you very much for bringing the World Cup home. Happy. “Thank you very much for this priceless Christmas gift,” said Dhoni, who turns 43 early next month.

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The legendary Sachin Tendulkar also took to social media to express his joy over India's success, saying the country now had its “fourth star”, after two World Cup victories in 1983 and 2011 and a historic victory in the inaugural T20 World Championship. in 2007.

“Every star added to the Indian national team jersey inspires the optimistic children of our country to take a step closer towards achieving their dreams. India got their fourth star, which is our second star in the T20WC,” wrote the letter ‘X’.

Tendulkar, who was a member of the Indian team that crashed out in the first round of the 2007 World Cup, said things had come full circle.

“The life cycle of the Indian cricket in the West Indies has reached its end point. From rock bottom in the 2007 Cricket World Cup to becoming a cricketing powerhouse and winning the T20 Cricket World Cup in 2024,” he said.

“I am very happy for my friend Rahul Dravid who could not win the 2011 World Cup, but his contribution to winning the T20 World Cup was extraordinary. I am very happy for him.

Praising Rohit Sharma's leadership and contribution of other team members, Tendulkar said, “What can we say about Rohit Sharma? Great leadership! Overcoming the 2023 World Cup defeat and keeping all our players motivated ahead of the T20 World Cup is commendable.

“Jasprit Bumrah won the player of the tournament award and Virat Kohli also won the player of the match award. They both deserved it. “They are absolutely brilliant in the areas that matter,” he added.

“Along with Rahul, Paras Mhambre and Vikram Rathore also made their international debuts in 1996. It's great to see Team India excelling in the class of 1996.”

“This has been an incredible team effort. “Heartfelt congratulations to all the players, coaches, support staff and the Indian Cricket Board,” Tendulkar added.

From VVS Lakshman to Anil Kumble, from Sourav Ganguly to Gautam Gambhir, everyone was in unison to hail this incredible feat.

“Congratulations to the Indian team for winning the T20 World Cricket Championship. They were the best team in the tournament and remained unbeaten throughout the tournament,” wrote VVS Lakshman, current director of the National Cricket Academy, in X.

“The team showed incredible composure and character to win this match from the position we were in with 5 overs remaining. “Every player deserves credit for giving their all and rising under Rohit's exceptional leadership,” he added.

“We are winners!” This is how legendary bowler and 2011 World Cup winner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his happiness.

Former Indian captain and head coach Anil Kumble wrote: “Congratulations to the Indian team! What a victory.

“YEH MERA INDIA. WE ARE CHAMPIONS. VERY PROUD OF THE GUYS PHOTO. (This is my India. We are champions, so proud of you.),” wrote former bowler Harbhajan Singh.

Yuvraj Singh, US ambassador for the T20 World Cup, paid tribute to all the key members of the team individually.

“You did it guys! @hardikpandya7 you are a champion! @Jaspritbumrah93 What a process to get India back in the game! Very happy with @ImRo45's incredible leadership under pressure! @imVkohli #Rahul Dravid and entire team indiavssa #ICCT20WorldCup2024,” he wrote.

“Good game @akshar2026 @IamShivamDube. Don't think this will happen! Oh @surya_14kumar, what a valuable catch under pressure,” Yuvraj added, wondering if he had made a mistake in not leaving anyone out of the game.

T20 World Cup champion and coach Gautam Gambhir wrote: “Champion!

Having previously explained the key moments of the game as it unfolded, the legendary Sachin Tendulkar wrote: “Chak d India!!! »

Former Indian captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly also congratulated the team.

“A big congratulations to Rohit Sharma and his team. What a match to win. It may be the World Cup in 11 (13) years, but the talent of this country will allow them to win many more tournaments..” (sic)

Ganguly added, “Bumrah is truly magical. Well done Virat, Axar, Hardik and everyone. Rahul Dravid and support staff. What a proud moment.

(This is an unedited, auto-generated story from a syndicated news feed; current staff may not have edited or edited the text)