India vs New Zealand: Sea of blue and wave of optimism at Motera

AHMEDABAD: Blue was the theme at the Narendra Modi Stadium for the T20 World Cup summit clash here on Sunday. Almost 100,000 Indian fans thronged the venue, hoping for a result different from the one they had experienced on Nov 19, 2023, when Australia humbled the hosts by six wickets. They were treated to an explosive batting display by India, who piled up 255/5, riding on Sanju Samson’s 89, Abhishek Sharma’s 52 and Ishan Kishan’s 54.

Such was the excitement that the lines blurred between the young and the old on Sunday. Ahmedabad resident Hitesh Koitiya, who brought his son along with him and experienced heartbreak 30 months ago when Travis Head broke a billion hearts, told TOI, “We had come to watch the 2023 World Cup final. That day, we returned very disappointed. But we’re confident India will dominate and win easily today.”



A boiling hot Sunday, when the mercury rose to 37 degrees, did not stop fans from voicing their support as chants of ‘jeetega bhai jeetega, India jeetega’ echoed through the streets leading to the stadium. Supporters, dressed in myriad hues of blue and sporting Indian flags, were not disappointed with India’s performance as the hosts put in a dominating show to defend their crown.

The fans were treated to a musical show by global pop superstar and two-time Grammy winner Ricky Martin as he had the stadium heaving to hits like ‘Livin’ la Vida Loca’ and ‘the Cup of life’ during the closing ceremony.

Indian singers Sukhbir Singh and Falguni Pathak too entertained the crowds.

However, the Kiwis are everybody’s second-favourite team all over the cricketing world and Indian fans are no different, because of class acts like their skipper Mitch Santner, who won hearts back home with his message on X. “I am not one for big speeches or rallying cries— but it’s fair to say we are a bit outnumbered over here — 1.4 billion Team India fans and all that. But it’s all good because we know back home you will have our backs,” he posted addressing Kiwi fans.

One of them was at the stadium. Vansh Chawla, sporting a yesteryear Black Caps T-shirt, said, “I am supporting India today but I’m wearing the New Zealand jersey as an act of kindness. Because, as an Indian, I support NZ as well. My favourite player from New Zealand is Williamson. That is why I am wearing his jersey today, even though he is not playing in the T20 World Cup final.” Jayant Punwani, hailing from Gandhidham, too echoed similar views. “I’m coming here for the first time. We are expecting another special knock from Sanju,” said Punwani, showing off his T-shirt with Sanju’s name etched on it. His wish came true.


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