‘Team's hard work was inspiring’: PM Modi hails India's historic win over Australia; Kohli, Rahane react

During his radio show ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi said that the hard work and grit shown by the Indian players was truly inspiring.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised Indian cricket team’s historic Test series win against Australia. During his radio show ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi said that the hard work and grit shown by the Indian players was truly inspiring.

Indian players celebrate with their trophy after defeating Australia by three wickets on the final day of the fourth cricket Test at the Gabba, Brisbane, (AP)

“This month, we got good news from the cricket pitch. After initial hiccups, the Indian team bounced back gloriously and won the series in Australia. Our team's hard work and teamwork was inspiring," PM Modi said during 'Mann Ki Baat'.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) thanked PM Modi for his words of appreciation and encouragement.

“Thank you Shri @narendramodi ji for your appreciation and words of encouragement. #TeamIndia will do everything possible to keep the tricolour flying high. @imVkohli @ajinkyarahane88 @RaviShastriOfc @RishabhPant17 @Jaspritbumrah93 @ImRo45 @JayShah @SGanguly99 @ThakurArunS,” BCCI tweeted.

Indian captain Virat Kohli shared the tweet with a tricolour emoji.

Ajinkya Rahane, who led India in the absence of Virat Kohli and guided the team to 2-1 win, also took to Twitter and expressed his gratitude.

“Thank you for your words of encouragement Shri @narendramodi Ji. It’s always an honour to represent our country, we hope to continue inspiring more Indians as we move forward.”

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin wrote, “Thank you so much sir.”

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said that the PM Modi's encouraging words will boost the morale and energy of the Indian cricket team for future challenges.

"Thank you for your encouraging words, PM @narendramodi. This will boost the morale and energy level of entire Indian cricket for future challenges," Shah tweeted.

Indian head coach Ravi Shastri on Sunday said the encouraging words by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will further strengthen the cricket team and the resolve to perform under pressure.

On January 19, an injury-ravaged young Indian team defeated Australia by three wickets against all odds in the fourth Test at the Gabba to win the series 2-1.

India's memorable win had also ensured that they topple Australia in the ICC Test Team Rankings to claim the second spot.

Now, the focus has been shifted to the upcoming series against England. India and England are set to lock horns in four Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is.

The first two games of the 4-game series will be played in Chennai before the cricketers move to Ahmedabad for the third and fourth Test.

(With ANI Inputs)