Mumbai, Four Mumbai cricketers who were part of the T20 World Cup-winning Indian team, including captain Rohit Sharma, were felicitated on Friday afternoon by the Maharashtra government at the Vidhan Bhavan complex, a day after that the victorious team received a great welcome in the metropolis.
Besides Sharma, batsmen Suryakumar Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal and all-rounder Shivam Dubey were honored in what was the first-of-its-kind felicitation function for cricketers organized at the state legislature complex in south Mumbai.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde congratulated the four Mumbai cricketers in the presence of his deputies Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis.
On the occasion, Pawar said, "Rohit Sharma has made it clear that he will no longer play T20 international matches. But every time we watch a T20 match, we will always remember you and your team's achievements."
Fadnavis praised Sharma and said his name is now forever etched in the history of cricket.
"Rohit gave us good and bad news on the same day. He won the T20 World Cup but also announced his retirement from the T20 international format. His name is permanently etched in the history of Indian cricket," Fadnavis said.
The deputy CM, who looks after the local portfolio, praised the city police for their efficient crowd management as thousands of cricket fans gathered in south Mumbai to greet team India during their victory parade .
"We were seriously worried when thousands of people gathered in Mumbai on Thursday night (to watch the victory parade). Thank you Rohit for appreciating the efforts of the Mumbai Police who handled the crowd efficiently and everyone returned to home safe and sound," Fadnavis said.
Responding to the congratulations, Sharma said the victory against South Africa in the final match in Bridgetown, Barbados, was a team effort.
"CM Eknath Shinde told me that such an event has never been organized at the Vidhan Bhavan complex. It was a dream come true to bring a cricket World Cup to India after 13 years of waiting. It was a team effort" said the 37-year-old hitting star.
"It was a solid team effort. Surya just told everyone that the ball landed in his hand by luck. If he hadn't landed, he would have sat him out in the next match," he said jokingly.
The captain thanked the Mumbai Police for efficiently handling the crowd that gathered at the iconic Marine Drive for the open bus victory parade.
Yadav, who took a crucial catch in the final, said, "I am very happy to meet you all. I can never forget the kind of support we all received yesterday and today here at Vidhan Bhavan."
Dubey said the enthusiastic welcome extended to the Indian team was overwhelming. "I am proud to live in Maharashtra. We are overwhelmed by the welcome," Dubey said.
Legislative Council vice-chairman Neelam Gorhe said, "Probably for the first time, cricketers will be felicitated at the Vidhan Bhavan premises."
Besides Sharma, batsmen Suryakumar Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal and all-rounder Shivam Dubey were honored in what was the first-of-its-kind felicitation function for cricketers organized at the state legislature complex in south Mumbai.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde congratulated the four Mumbai cricketers in the presence of his deputies Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis.
On the occasion, Pawar said, "Rohit Sharma has made it clear that he will no longer play T20 international matches. But every time we watch a T20 match, we will always remember you and your team's achievements."
Fadnavis praised Sharma and said his name is now forever etched in the history of cricket.
"Rohit gave us good and bad news on the same day. He won the T20 World Cup but also announced his retirement from the T20 international format. His name is permanently etched in the history of Indian cricket," Fadnavis said.
The deputy CM, who looks after the local portfolio, praised the city police for their efficient crowd management as thousands of cricket fans gathered in south Mumbai to greet team India during their victory parade .
"We were seriously worried when thousands of people gathered in Mumbai on Thursday night (to watch the victory parade). Thank you Rohit for appreciating the efforts of the Mumbai Police who handled the crowd efficiently and everyone returned to home safe and sound," Fadnavis said.
Responding to the congratulations, Sharma said the victory against South Africa in the final match in Bridgetown, Barbados, was a team effort.
"CM Eknath Shinde told me that such an event has never been organized at the Vidhan Bhavan complex. It was a dream come true to bring a cricket World Cup to India after 13 years of waiting. It was a team effort" said the 37-year-old hitting star.
"It was a solid team effort. Surya just told everyone that the ball landed in his hand by luck. If he hadn't landed, he would have sat him out in the next match," he said jokingly.
The captain thanked the Mumbai Police for efficiently handling the crowd that gathered at the iconic Marine Drive for the open bus victory parade.
Yadav, who took a crucial catch in the final, said, "I am very happy to meet you all. I can never forget the kind of support we all received yesterday and today here at Vidhan Bhavan."
Dubey said the enthusiastic welcome extended to the Indian team was overwhelming. "I am proud to live in Maharashtra. We are overwhelmed by the welcome," Dubey said.
Legislative Council vice-chairman Neelam Gorhe said, "Probably for the first time, cricketers will be felicitated at the Vidhan Bhavan premises."
