The Indian team made history on Sunday as they became the first international side to play 1000 One Day Internationals. India achieved this feat during the first ODI at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad against the Windies. Ahead of such a momentous occasion, India’s three big superstars Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Head Coach Rahul Dravid shared some heartwarming messages.
It’s a great honor to captain in the game, a privilege to lead the boys: Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma is set to lead India in his first series as full-time captain of the team. Coincidentally, his first game as full-time captain is also India’s 1000th ODI. Hence, the hitman is honored and privileged to lead India on such a historic occasion.
“Tomorrow is going to be a historic day for Indian cricket as we go on to play the 1000th ODI. I would like to congratulate all players who took part in the long journey,” said Rohit while speaking in a video posted on the official Twitter handle of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
“It’s a great honor to captain in the game, a privilege to lead the boys. Our journey has been fantastic. So many players have come and represented the country, put their best foot forward. It will be nothing different for us, we will keep raising the bar for Indian cricket”, he added.
It’s a big number and a testimony to how many matches played over the year: Virat Kohli
On the other hand, former ODI skipper Kohli who took India to new heights by winning bilateral series away from home said that the team has grown from strength to strength, and despite having a couple of transitions, that went very well only shows that the bench strength and the amount of talent that the country has in this game is amazing.
He then mentioned that he was proud of having had such a long career with the Men In Blue and also for being a part of so many matches that have eventually brought the team to the landmark of 1000 ODIs.
Rahul Dravid credits the 1983 World Cup win as the game-changing moment for India in ODIs
The coach Rahul Dravid said that even though India started playing ODI cricket in 1974, the turnaround started nearly a decade later when the country lifted its maiden World Cup in 1983 under Kapil Dev. At the same time, the former India A and U19 coach also explained how hosting two World Cups in 1987 and 1996 helped the format grow in this country and how One Day cricket became very popular with the fans in the 90s. Furthermore, the ex-skipper also added that the 1983 and 2011 World Cup triumphs reflect their success in the 50-overs format.
“The number of games that India play has increased manifold. The game has grown in this country and it has become one of the top formats”, Dravid said.
Highlights:
• India become the first cricketing nation to play 1000 ODIs.
• Rohit, Kohli, and Dravid share their thoughts ahead of such a historic feat.
ALSO READ: Team India wear black armbands in memory of Lata Mangeshkar
