Indian fans erupt in joy after tri-series triumph

For a nation that has always treated its cricketers like demigods, it was hardly a surprise to see fans taking to streets and thronging players’ residences to celebrate India’s historic win.

For a nation that has always treated its cricketers like demigods, it was hardly a surprise to see fans taking to streets and thronging players’ residences to celebrate India’s historic ODI tri-series triumph in Australia on Tuesday.

Soon after James Hopes’ dismissal put paid to Australia’s hopes in the match, the fans around the country erupted in jubilation.

The celebrations also had a hint of vengeance as some fans took it as India’s answer to the Aussie swagger and their repeated targetting of Harbhajan Singh both during the Test series and the

ODI tri-series.

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Harabhajan’s home, in fact, was thronged by the fans in Jalandhar soon after the last Australian wicket fell.

Fans raised slogans in favour of Harbhajan, who was accused of racist abuse during the series, and danced to the tunes of Bhangra.

Harbhajan’s mother Avtar Kaur congratulated the Indian team for the win. “Australians knew that Bhajji is emerging as a successful all rounder, they wanted to put mental pressure on him by making false allegations against him. At last, India through its win, gave a befitting reply to all the controversies,” she said.

Similar scenes were witnessed at Uttar Pradesh allrounder Praveen Kumar’s Meerut residence, where jubilant fans joined his family in celebrating the win.

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Praveen took four wickets in today’s match to wreck the Australian line-up and the impressive haul also earned him the man of the match award.

The mood was equally ecstatic in other parts of the country as people burst crackers besides dancing on the streets.