Team India visit High Commission of India in London ahead of Lord's decider
London, July 19
The Indian men's cricket team took a brief break from its on-field preparations to attend a special reception and dinner hosted by the High Commission of India at India House in London on Saturday.
Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Kumaran Periasamy, welcomed the players and support staff, while BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla also addressed the gathering.
Sharing pictures from the event, the BCCI wrote on X, "A memorable evening in London as #TeamIndia visited the High Commission. The players and support staff were welcomed by the High Commissioner of India to the UK, Mr Kumaran Periasamy, and members of the Indian diaspora in the UK. BCCI Vice-President Mr Rajeev Shukla also addressed the gathering, revisiting fond memories of some of India's celebrated teams."
The players also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora and posed for photographs with Periasamy, officials from the High Commission and their families during the event.
The reception came midway through India's ODI series against England. The three-match ODI series between the two sides is finely poised at 1-1 heading into the decider at Lord's after the two teams shared contrasting victories in the opening two matches.
India made a winning start to the series with a composed chase, led by captain Shubman Gill, who took the attack to England's new-ball bowlers to set the tone at the top before retiring hurt at 80. The visitors controlled the contest for most of the match, with their bowlers bowling England out for 258 in 47.5 overs before the batters completed the chase in 45.2 overs to take a 1-0 lead.
England bounced back to level the series after adapting better to conditions that offered assistance to the seamers. India were restricted to 233 in 44 overs, with the pitch providing movement and variable pace that made stroke-making difficult.
England's chase was anchored by Joe Root, who once again produced a measured innings and remained unbeaten on 99, guiding the hosts home.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Lovely gesture by the High Commission. Our players carry the hopes of 140 crore Indians—it's nice to see them get a warm reception abroad. Hope they channel this energy into the Lord's match. England will be tough, but we have the firepower! 💪
Honestly, I wish the team had spent this time practicing instead. The series is level 1-1, and Lord's is a big stage. We can't afford to be complacent. But okay, a bit of diplomacy never hurt anyone. Let's hope the boys come back focused for the decider.
Great to see Rajeev Shukla ji sharing memories of past teams. This team has the spirit of the '83 legends—let's make it count at Lord's! England's seamers will test us, but if Gill and the top order fire, we can take the series. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
The Indian diaspora in London must be over the moon! 🥹 Cricket truly connects us across borders. I just hope the team uses this positive energy to bounce back after that defeat. England are no pushovers at Lord's, but we've beaten them there before. Come on, India!
As an Indian fan living abroad, this kind of event means a lot. It's not just about cricket—it's about representing our culture and values on the world stage. The High Commission did a fantastic job. Now go win that series, boys! 🙌
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