Robin Uthappa's Emotional Tribute to India's T20 World Cup Triumph

Robin Uthappa's Emotional Tribute to India's T20 World Cup Triumph

Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa has expressed his heartfelt emotions in a moving tribute to the Indian team's victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Uthappa, who was part of India's maiden T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2007, couldn't control his tears as he recalled the struggles and hardships faced by the players in the past year.

India's triumph in Barbados ended a 13-year wait for an ICC title. However, the journey to the top was not without its challenges. The team had lost back-to-back finals in the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup.

Uthappa, in a discussion with veteran India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, highlighted the constant trolling and criticism that each player had to endure. "I was so full of emotions, you would've found me in tears," Uthappa said. "I went through each player individually, and what they have been through. I apologize in advance if I get emotional on this show, but when you go through each player individually, and what they've been through over the past 4-5 years -- trolling, criticism -- and you've been part of it as well, so you know what it feels like."

Uthappa emphasized that every cricketer in India faces harsh trolling and criticism at some point in their careers. "I could feel the emotions of each player individually," he said. "I cried for the first 20 minutes after the victory. I went and bowed before god, saying thank you. As a cricketer who has represented India, thank you. This victory was so special because it was long incoming."

Uthappa also praised the role of coach Rahul Dravid, who he described as an "absolute mentor." "We say a 50-year-old man celebrate like a kid when the World Cup trophy was given to him," Uthappa said. "This is the beauty of the sport. I am so grateful to god for everyone. All of the players deserve to win the World Cup."

Tags: #T20WorldCup, #India, #RobinUthappa, #RavichandranAshwin, #Cricket