21-day lockdown in India: Kohli, Ganguly join cricket community in lauding PM Modi’s move

Tags: India, Virat Kohli, Sourav Chandidas Ganguly

Published on: Mar 25, 2020

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the nation on Tuesday, announced a complete lockdown of 21 days in the country in an effort to stop the spread of the dreaded coronavirus. Bigwigs of the Indian cricket fraternity hailed the move, and requested people to follow instructions given by the PM.

"As our Honourable Prime Minister, Shri @NarendraModi ji just announced, the whole country is going into a lockdown starting midnight today for the next 21 days. My request will remain the same, PLEASE STAY AT HOME. #SocialDistancing is the only cure for Covid 19", Indian skipper Virat Kohli tweeted.

Team India coach Ravi Shastri predicted that the country would come out stronger from the lockdown. "No mincing words. Absolute need of the hour. Leadership at its very best. The country will come out stronger than ever before all-round @PMOIndia @narendramodi," Shastri tweeted.

Former captain and current BCCI President Sourav Ganguly asked all Indians to put in a collective effort. "Let’s fight this together .. we will get over this #corona"

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin stated that it is all about three weeks, and social distancing is must to keep our future safe. "3 weeks it is ... let’s stay indoors India. I repeat the consequences of irresponsible community behaviour over the next 3 weeks could cost us 2 decades. Well done @narendramodi ji. Now let’s follow instructions rather than moaning and giving our own opinions. #coronavirusindia"

India’s number three Chesteshwar Pujara asked fans to practise hobbies and help the family with household chores. "Let us all unite in fighting corona virus by religiously practising 21 days lockdown. Stay at home and help your family with household chores and practise hobbies whilst practising social distancing. #StayHome #StaySafe #IndiaFightsCorona #IndiaStandTogether"

Another legend VVS Laxman requested people not to panic as centre and state governments will ensure essentials are available. "Social distancing is extremely critical for each and everyone of us to follow for the next 21 days. Please stay at home & wash your hands regularly, and let’s break the chain. Please don’t panic about essentials, the central & state governments will ensure it #IndiaFightsCorona"

Laxman’s long-time India teammate Anil Kumble urged his fans to understand the gravity of the situation. "Please Understand the gravity of the situation. #IndiaFightsCorona #StayHomeStaySafe and stay healthy. As advised by our Honourable PM @narendramodi Ji Let us follow a complete lockdown."

The 2002 Natwest final hero Mohammad Kaif also backed the PM’s move. "Fully support the government’s decision to impose the #CoronavirusLockdown. Stop the virus from scoring big. Be your own captain! Spread the field. Practice Social Distancing and remember our PM’s advice #JaanHaiTohJahanHai #StayAtHomeSaveLives"

In his second address to the nation on the Coronavirus pandemic in less than a week, Modi admitted the lockdown will cause huge economic losses but added people's lives are more important. "If we don't handle these 21 days well, then our country, your family will go backward by 21 years," he warned.

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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