'Prayers of a billion-plus citizens will be answered today...': Sachin Tendulkar expresses hope for India's World Cup victory

NEW DELHI: Cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar, who arrived in Ahmedabad ahead of the World Cup final between India and Australia, expressed hope that the hosts would secure their third coveted trophy in cricketing history.
The highly anticipated final between the two-time champions and the five-time winners will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world's largest cricketing arena.

Speaking to reporters at the Ahmedabad airport, Tendulkar, popularly known as the 'Master Blaster,' shared his good wishes, saying, "I have come here to extend my good wishes. Hopefully, the Indian team will prevail against Australia and lift the World Cup for the third time. The fans have been eagerly awaiting this day, and I fervently hope that the prayers of a billion-plus citizens will be answered today."

Excitement reached a fever pitch around the Narendra Modi Stadium as fans from across the country gathered outside, adorned in Indian colours, and expressed their wishes for the hosts to secure their third world title in the 50-over format. Enthusiastic fans with posters of their cricketing idols and painted faces created a vibrant atmosphere around the stadium.

A fan from Chennai, wearing an Indian jersey, voiced his confidence, saying, "We are all here for Team India today. We have come all the way from Chennai to cheer for our beloved team in their march to the title. I am confident that it will be (India skipper) Rohit Sharma, who will be holding aloft the trophy when the final is done and dusted. We will avenge our loss in the 2003 final today."

Another fan expressed excitement about the tournament and stated, "I was excited about this tournament and our prospects from the very beginning. I am sure India will win the final today."

In Maharashtra, cricket enthusiasts performed a special Aarti at Shree Siddhivinayak temple in Pune to pray for India's victory in the World Cup final against Australia, underscoring the widespread support and anticipation gripping the nation as the cricketing giants vie for supremacy.

(With inputs from ANI)