‘Mann Ki Baat’: PM Modi lauds Indian-origin cricketers abroad, underscores the spirit of ‘Bhartiyata’

New Delhi- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised cricketers of Indian origin representing foreign national teams, saying their success reflects the enduring spirit of Bhartiyata. He noted that wherever Indians go, they stay deeply connected to their matrabhoomi (motherland) while contributing meaningfully to their karmabhoomi (land of work).

Speaking in the 131st episode of his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister highlighted the unifying power of sports, remarking that “those who play, blossom,” and that sports bring people together.

Referring to the ongoing T20 World Cup, PM Modi said viewers often find themselves cheering for players whose jerseys belong to another country, yet whose names reveal Indian roots—moments that bring a quiet sense of pride.

He pointed out that the Canadian cricket team features the highest number of Indian-origin players, mentioning captain Dilpreet Bajwa from Punjab’s Gurdaspur, Chandigarh’s Naveneet Dhaliwal, and players like Harsh Thaker and Shreyas Movva, who are making both Canada and India proud.

The Prime Minister also cited the USA cricket team, noting that captain Monank Patel has represented Gujarat at junior levels, while players such as Saurabh (Mumbai), Harmeet Singh, and Milind Kumar (Delhi) are strengthening American cricket.

He added that several members of Oman’s team—Jatinder Singh, Vinayak Shukla, Karan, Jai, and Ashish—have played domestic cricket in India, and that Indian-origin players are also leaving their mark in teams from New Zealand, the UAE, and Italy.

“This is the essence of Bhartiyata,” PM Modi said. “Indians remain rooted in their homeland wherever they go, while also helping their adopted countries progress.”

With inputs from IANS