In the world of sports, there often occur some moments that transcend competition and remind us of the power of unity, patriotism, and the human spirit. The ninth match of the ODI World Cup 2023 witnessed one such moment when India faced Afghanistan at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on October 11.

The day was marked by intense cricketing action, with Afghanistan putting up a commendable score of 272/8 and India effortlessly chasing down the target with eight wickets in hand. But amidst the cheers and celebrations, it was the collective voice of the Delhi crowd singing ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’ that stole the show and touched the hearts of millions.

Afghanistan batters show determination

The stage was set as Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first. The Afghan batters showcased their determination, with Hashmatullah Shahidi leading the charge. Shahidi’s brilliant innings of 80 runs off 88 balls, adorned with eight fours and one six, anchored Afghanistan’s innings. Azmatullah Omarzai provided solid support, contributing 62 runs off 69 balls. However, India’s bowlers still managed to restrict Afghanistan to a total of 272/8 in the allotted 50 overs. Jasprit Bumrah was the mos?t succe??ssful bowler for the Men in Blue, bagging four wickets for 39 runs.

India’s successful run chase

In reply, India’s top-order batters delivered a stunning performance. Rohit Sharma emerged as the star of the day, playing a majestic innings that left the crowd in awe. The Indian skipper played a knock of 131 runs off just 84 balls and set the stage for India’s comfortable victory. Ishan Kishan and Virat Kohli chipped in with 47 and 55 runs, respectively, while Shreyas Iyer added 25 runs, ensuring that India reached the target in just 35 overs. Afghanistan’s bowlers struggled to make an impact, with Rashid Khan being the only standout ?performer, claiming two wickets?? for 57 runs.

Also READ: Indian captain Rohit Sharma shatters several records in the ??clash again?st Afghanistan

The unforgettable rendition of ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’ by Delhi crowd

While the cricketing action was enthralling, it was the emotional and patriotic moment in the stands that captured the hearts of the nation. Indian fans present at the Arun Jaitley Stadium showcased a remarkable display of unity and patriotism as they passionately sang ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam,’ a patriotic song composed by the legendary A.R. Rahman.

The stadium came alive with the energy of thousands of voices harmonizing ??in unison, and the entire arena was bathed in the colours of the Indian flag through a stunning light show, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. The rendition of this iconic song not only added a ?unique dimension to the atmosphere but also evoked a profound sense of pride and unity among those present at the venue and countless Indians worldwide who were glued to their screens, witnessing this heartwarming moment.

The video capturing this priceless moment ?quickly went viral on the internet, and it was a testament to the power of sports in bringing people together.

Here’s the video:

This ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ#INDvsAFG pic.twitter.com/bS6Xr7jCrX

— ๐‘ท๐’“๐’‚๐’•๐’š๐’‚๐’Œ๐’”๐’‰ (@_Pratyaksh_) October 11, 2023

Also READ: Naveen ul Haq praises Virat Kohli after drawing a curtain on IPL feud during IN??D vs AFG clash

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On Thursday, the Feroz Shah Kotla Cricket Stadium was renamed after fo??rmer Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who passed away last month. The renaming ceremony took place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium’s Weightlifting Auditorium. Jaitley had served as the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) President from 1999 to 2013.

However, the Feroz Shah Kotla ground’s name will stay the same.

In the same function, a new pavilion stand at Delhi’s historic stadium was named after Team India skipper Virat Kohli.

After the stand was virtually unveiled, Kohli gave a heartfelt thanks to the DDCA, his tea??mmates and his childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma. While expressing gratitude to his family, the 30-year-old recalled an incident, when he had gone to watch an India versus Zimbabwe Test match with his brother at the iconic venue in 2001.

“When I left home today, I told my family one anecdote…I remember getting a ticket to watch a game in 2001 at the stadium and asking for autographs from players… So today to have a pavilion in my name at the same stadium is surreal and a great honour,” the Indian run-machine said.

Earlier before his demise, Arun Jaitley?? had called Virat Kohli the best batsman in the world.

“When I decided to name a stand in honour of Virat Kohli, I told this first to Arun Jaitley ji. He told me this is a good decision because there is no better player than Virat in world cricket,” Rajat Sharma revealed during the event.

@delhi_cricket president @RajatSharmaLive on #DDCAAnnualAwards2019: When I decided to name a stand in honour of?? Virat Kohli, I told this first to Arun Jaitleyji. He told me this is a good decision because there is no better player than Virat in world cricket.

— DDCA (@delhi_cricket) September 12, 2019

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Arun Jaitley, former BCCI vice-president, passed away aged ?66, on Saturday (August 24) due to an illn??ess.

Jaitley, who has been associated with I??ndian cricket since the 1990s, also served as the President of the Delhi & District Cricket Associ?ation (DDCA) for almost 14 years.

“A remarkable statesman, Mr Jaitley was a passionate cricket follower and will always be remembered as one of the most able and respected cricket administrators,” the BCCI said in their statement condoling Jaitley’s death.

“During his long tenure as the President of the Delhi & District Cricket Association, he brought about a tremendous change in the cricketing infrastructure.

“A close friend of the cricketers, he always stood by them, encouraged them and supported them in their quest for excellence.”

Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper, also paid tribute to the former administrator: “Shocked & saddened to hear about the passing away of Shri Arun Jaitley ji. He was genuinely a good person, always willing to help others. He took out his precious time back in 2006 when my father passed away to come to my home and pay his condolences. May his soul rest in peace.”

Here’s how the cricketing fraternity reacted on Twitter:

Saddened to hear about the demise ?of Shri Arun Jaitley. He donned several hats successfully, including that of a cricket adminis?trator. India has lost a distinguished parliamentarian. My condolences to his family and friends.

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 24, 2019

Shocked &?; saddened to hear about the passing away of Shri Arun Jaitley ji. He was genuinely a good person, always willing to help others. He took out ??his precious time back in 2006 when my father passed away to come to my home & pay his condolences. May his soul rest in peace.

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 24, 2019

Deeply saddened on the passing away of #ArunJaitley Ji My deepest condolences to his family. His contribution towards our country & cricket has been priceless. May his so??ul rest in eternal peace ๐Ÿ™

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) August 24, 2019

But under his leadership at the DDCA, many players including me got a chance to represent India. He listened to needs of the players & was a problem solver. Personally shared a very beautiful relationship with him. My thoughts & prayers are with his family & loved ones. Om Shanti //t.co/Kl4NpprR6W

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 24, 2019

A father teaches u to speak but a father figure teaches u to talk. A father teaches u to walk but a father f??igure teaches u to march on. A father gives u a name but a father figure gives u an identity. A part of me is gone with my Father Figure Shri Arun Jaitley Ji. RIP Sir.

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 24, 2019

Saddened by the passing away of Shri Arun Jaitley. Besides being a successful lawyer, a former Minister and a Member of Parliament, he was a great lover of the game of Cricket. #riparunjaitely

— Ashwin ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ (@ashwinravi99) August 24, 2019

Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Shri. Arun Jaitley. Fondly remember our con?versations around cricket. His contributions in every field will r?emain unparalleled. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝ

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 24, 2019

Rest in Peace #ArunJaitley ji. ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป
It is a huge loss to the nation.
My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/lsSZUUQICF

— Vinod Kambli (@vinodkambli349) August 24, 2019

RIP #ArunJaitley Ji.. My since??re condolences to your family and loved ??ones ๐Ÿ™

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) August 24, 2019

Saddened to learn about the passing away of Shri #ArunJaitley ji. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and admirers. Om Shanti ! pic.twitter.com/13m7zBwiE7

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 24, 2019

Deeply saddened by the demise of #ArunJaitley ji. My heartfelt condolences to his famil??y and loved ones ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿฝ

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 24, 2019

Our country loses yet another great leader. He was not only an able politician and advocate but also an authoritative cricket administrator. #ArunJaitley ji #OmShanti pic.twitter.com/gp0MVr8Jbb

— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) August 24, 2019

Grieved to know about the demise of @arunjaitley sir. Heartfelt condolen??ces? to the family. May his soul rest in peace.

— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) August 24, 2019

Deeply saddened to hear #ArunJaitley Sir has passed away. Was fortunate to have his blessings through?out.Apart from being a devoted politician he was a die hard cricket fan.His support from my early days at DDCA has been tremendous. U will b missed sir.Big loss to the nation. RIP

— Unmukt Chand (@UnmuktChand9) August 24, 2019

Deeply saddened to hear that Mr. Arun Jaitley is no more. A scholar…a cricket lover. Always helpful. Would remember the names of the kids doing well at U-19 level too. World will be poorer in your absence, sir. #riparunjaitley

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 24, 2019

Extremely saddened to hear that #ArunJaitley sir is no more. A stalwart in politics, he also played a stellar role in the growth of Delhi cricket. His help transformed the careers of many players. We will miss you. #OmShanti pic.twitter.com/oDCzV27JFt

— Parvinder Awana (@ParvinderAwana) August 24, 2019

Deeply saddened and pained on the demise of #ArunJaitley ji .A visionary and luminary par excellence.Always helped and had time for cricketers at DDCA . Beautiful memories will always remain with me ,condolences to the family and close ones #Om shanti!! #RIP ๐Ÿ™

— Mithun Manhas (@MithunManhas) August 24, 2019

Multiple roles, extreme talent and skill. A big loss as @arunjaitley ji leaves us, may his soul rest in peace.#arunjaitely #rip pic.twitter.com/oJ1WKj8V83

— R P Singh เคฐเฅเคฆเฅเค?เคชเฅเคฐเคคเคพเคช เคธเคฟเค‚เคน (@rpsingh) August 24, 2019

My heartfelt condolences to the family and followers of #ArunJaitley Ji. Will alwa?ys remember your contributions towards crick?et, RIP Sir. ๐Ÿ™

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) August 24, 2019

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On the 3rd day of the 1st Test against West Indies in Antigua, team India came on the field sporting black arm-bands. The bands were in respect of India’s former finance minister Arun Jaitley (66) who passed away on Saturday.

Two weeks earlier, Arun Jaitley was admitted to the AIIMS hospital in New Delhi due to problems related to breathing. AIIMS issued a statement stating, “It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of Shri Arun Jaitley… Shri Arun Jaitley was admitted in AIIMS, New Delhi on 09/08/2019 and was treated by a multidisciplinary team of senior doctors.”

Jaitley served as the finance minister from 26 May 2014 โ€?30 May 2019 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also served as the former BCCI vice-president, Delhi & Distric??t Cricket Association (DDCA) president and a member of the IPL Governing council.

Jaitley also hosted former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag’s wedding at his bungalow back in 2004.

“BCCI condoles the sad demise of Shri Arun Jaitley. The BCCI shares the pain and grief of the Jaitley family & prays for the departed soul“, BCCI posted on their Twitter handler.

BCCI condoles the sad demise of Shri Arun Jaitley?.

The BCCI shares the pain and grief of the Jaitley family & prays for the departed soul pic.twitter.com/KkAyL4Evdy

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 24, 2019

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