"Men who make history defy all the odds," the Hindustan Times said, labelling the win "a resounding announcement of India's official coronation as the world's best team" which will herald a cricketing "golden age" for India.
"Windia!" was the banner headline in the Indian Express, while the Mail Today ran "Cup of Joy" over a picture of champagne bursting over the players' heads as they held up the trophy.
Like many newspapers, the Mail singled out the role of skipper Dhoni, who hit the winning runs in style with an imperious six into the packed stands.
"Hail Mahendra Singh Dhoni," the newspaper said. "On a night when the heat inside the Wankhede Stadium could have left you breathless, the inspirational leader showed what it is to lead from the front."
There was special praise too for the "instrumental" efforts of India's coach, former South African Test player Gary Kirsten, who has been credited with reviving the team's fortunes after a turbulent era under Australian coach Greg Chappell.
Tributes for the little master
Most newspapers ran special articles to honour star batsman Sachin Tendulkar who, at 37, was almost certainly appearing in his last World Cup tournament.
Tendulkar, playing in front of his home crowd, failed with the bat, scoring just 18 runs, but still ended up shedding tears of joy once victory was assured.
"For very long, cricket has been synonymous with Tendulkar all over India," said the Indian Express.
"But home is where the heart lies, and no other ground in India, or the world, could have provided a more emotional platform for the batting maestro."
Friends in high places
Praise and congratulations poured in from all quarters, including Indian President Pratibha Patil.
"All of you truly deserve the thanks of a billion plus Indians today," she said in a message to the team, while Prime Minister Manmohan Singh thanked the players for having "made India proud."
Congress president Sonia Gandhi greeted the jubilant crowds in Delhi, saying the victory "will be etched in gold for generations to come."
Meanwhile, in Colombo
The tone was very different in Sri Lanka, where the state-run media blasted everything from the preparation of the national team to the squad selection.
The Sunday Observer particularly questioned the wisdom of playing a half-fit Muttiah Muralitharan, the ace spinner and world record wicket-taker, who was retiring after Saturday's game.
"Was it advisable playing a half-fit Muralitharan?" the paper said. "Winning the mega final is much more important than giving a farewell tribute to even a great cricketer of Muralitharan's magnitude."
No comments:
Post a Comment