As Rohit Sharma leads the charge for a third World Cup victory, the transformation of cricket in India is evident not just as a sport but as a tool of 'Soft Power.' From Kapil Dev's iconic win in 1983 to Mahendra Singh Dhoni's triumph in 2011, cricket has transcended from a sport to a billion-dollar industry.
In the 28 years between those victories, cricket has become a powerful medium for India's 'Soft Power' on the global stage. The upcoming World Cup final on November 19 promises to be a spectacle, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence, a grand air-show by the Indian Air Force, and former captains Kapil and Dhoni in attendance alongside notable figures from entertainment and politics.
The grandeur of the event extends to cultural performances by Bollywood personalities Pritam and Jonita Gandhi, as well as Aditya Gadhavi of 'Gotilo' fame from Coke Studio. With programs before the toss and at the innings break, featuring 500 dancers from Mumbai showcasing Bollywood hits, the event aims to project India's soft power to the world, using cricket as its tool.
An impressive audience of 1.30 lakh is expected at the venue, with an additional 1.39 billion viewers globally. The BCCI plans to honor World Cup-winning captains from 1975 to 2019 with special blazers, adding a touch of nostalgia to the occasion.
The 'Ocean of Blue' in the stands and on the streets, adorned with jerseys bearing the numbers 18 and 45 representing Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, reflects the nation's fervor. As the anticipation builds for this 'Evening to Remember,' the question remains whether Rohit and his team can transform it into an 'Evening to Savour.'
