World Cup 2019: India’s thumping victory over West Indies leaves Rishi Kapoor elated

India picked their fifth win in ICC World Cup 2019 on Thursday when they crushed two-time champions West Indies by 125 runs in a one-sided affair at Old Trafford, Manchester. Winning the toss and batting first, Virat Kohli’s team scored 268 for 7 in 50 overs and then bowled out the opponents for a paltry 143 in less than 35 overs. The Indian bowlers fired as a unit yet again with pacer Mohammed Shami picking four for 16 runs – his second four-wicket haul in as many games. Kohli was the Man of the Match for scoring 72.

With this win, the Men in Blue went up to the second position in the points table with a tally of 11. New Zealand also have same number of points although they have played an extra match and a worse net run-rate than the Blueshirts. Australia are leading the pack with 12 points and have qualified for the last four. India now requires just one win from their three remaining games to make the semi-finals. They next take on hosts England at Edgbaston on June 30.

Rishi Kapoor calls Men in Blue ‘supreme team’

Veteran Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor was also ecstatic alike millions of India cricket fans. The 66-year-old actor who recently beat cancer to script a comeback and become a role model for many, took to Twitter to congratulate the victory at Old Trafford. He called the Indian team “Supreme Team” and that “ICC is ours”. He also called for caution before India went the distance, saying “nothing to be taken for granted” and “fingers crossed”.

The ‘Mulk’ actor who is known for his forthright views, recently slammed the Indian World Cup squad members for fancying facial hair, something he himself hardly did in his life. But given the way the Indian players are performing at the ICC World Cup this year, Rishi is certainly not taking it too seriously now.

India have lost only two matches in the World Cups played in the 2010s so far. While they lost to South Africa in a group game in the 2011 edition at home, they lost the semi-final to eventual champions Australia in the 2015 edition.