BGT 2024-25: Indian players pay tribute to ex-PM Manmohan Singh with black armbands
Xtra Time Web Desk: The Indian cricket team sported black armbands on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday, December 27, as a tribute to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday night.
Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India's economic liberalisation, died in Delhi at the age of 92 after a prolonged illness. The former Prime Minister was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Thursday evening following a “sudden loss of consciousness,” the hospital confirmed in a statement.
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Tributes poured in from sporting icons, including Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, Vinesh Phogat, Dodda Ganesh, and Gutta Jwala, who remembered Singh for his humility and inspiring leadership. His pivotal role in reforming India’s economy in 1991 and his two consecutive terms as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 left a lasting legacy. Athletes acknowledged his steady leadership, which strengthened India’s global presence, including in sports and infrastructure development.
Australia continued to dominate on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test, with Steve Smith leading the charge by bringing up a resilient century and remaining unbeaten at the crease. Skipper Pat Cummins also made a crucial contribution, scoring a brisk 49 off 63 balls, further strengthening Australia's position. The hosts reached a commanding 437 for 7, capitalizing on some wayward and inconsistent bowling from the Indian attack, which struggled to maintain pressure and discipline throughout the day.
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