India has given many memorable moments in the game of cricket and its rich cricketing culture makes the nation one of the biggest markets of the game. Whether it was winning the World Cup in 1983 or conquering Australian for the very first time in a Test series, Indian cricket has always been shining bright.
But if that moment makes a cut in a speech delivered by Prime Minister of India, then that epic moment surely becomes a special one.
While speaking at an event named “Pariksha Pe Charcha,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the example of Anil Kumble’s heroic efforts in 2002 when he bowled with his face bandaged because of a broken jaw. The moment happened in Antigua when Kumble was hit by a bounce by West Indian pacer Mervyn Dillon.
As soon as the bowler got to know about PM’s mention, Kumble could not contain his excitement and expressed gratitude towards the Prime Minister for using his name as an example to motivate the students. He further stated he is really happy to hear his name in PM’s address.
Honoured to have been mentioned in #ParikshaPeCharcha2020 Thankyou Hon. PM @narendramodi ji. Best wishes to everyone writing their exams. pic.twitter.com/BwsMXDgemD
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) January 22, 2020
He also wished luck to every student who is preparing for upcoming examinations.
Taking note of PM’s speech, Kumble took to Twitter and wrote, “Honoured to have been mentioned in #ParikshaPeCharcha2020 Thankyou Hon. PM @narendramodi ji. Best wishes to everyone writing their exams.”
Kumble bowled 14 overs in that match and gave away just 29 runs. He also took the wicket of Brian Lara who looked in sublime touch during that series. The game ended in a draw. However, Kumble was praised for his determination and many legends of the game believe that it is one of the most inspirational moments of cricket.
Apart from that, PM Modi also gave the example of the iconic Test at the Eden Gardens where VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid stitched a match-winning partnership against Australia. Laxman amassed 281 while Dravid scored 180 for the partnership of 376 runs in the second innings of the Test.
“Our cricket team was facing setbacks. The mood was not very good. But in those moments can we ever forget what Rahul Dravid and V V S Laxman did? They turned the match around. Similarly, who can forget Anil Kumble bowling with an injury? This is the power of motivation and positive thinking,” PM Modi said in his address.
