Revealed: Why Indian players are wearing black armbands in the Boxing Day Test vs Australia?

The India national cricket team wore black armbands during the second day of the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, December 27. The players did so to mourn the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who died in New Delhi at the age of 92.

Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday, December 26, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. He had been hospitalized following a sudden loss of consciousness at his residence. Singh served as India's Prime Minister twice during the Congress-led UPA governments in 2004 and 2009.

The Indian Team is Wearing Black Armbands - BCCI

Team India sported black armbands on the second day of the Boxing Day Test against Australia to honor the memory of the former Prime Minister. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the gesture on social media. Fans widely praised the Rohit Sharma-led team for this tribute.

“The Indian team is wearing black arm bands as a mark of respect in the memory of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh, who passed away,” the BCCI said in a statement.

Dr. Manmohan Singh played a key role in shaping India's economy. As Finance Minister in the 1991 Narasimha Rao government, he was instrumental in India's economic liberalization, abolishing the Licence Raj.

Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji Was Truly One of a Kind - Gautam Gambhir

India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, posted a message for Dr. Manmohan Singh on social media, describing him as a unique leader. Gambhir highlighted that his contribution towards bringing economic stability to the country would be studied by future generations.

“Dr Manmohan Singh ji was truly one of a kind. His contribution especially towards bringing economic stability to our county will be studied by future generations.”

Commentator Harsha Bhogle, who is also in Australia as part of the broadcast team, wrote: “Our generation will be perennially grateful to Dr Manmohan Singh. His role in the economic liberalisation of India allowed us to fulfill ambitions and discover what we could achieve. His humility was inspiring. A good man and a great Indian.”

Saddened by the News of Sudden Demise of Former Prime Minister - Harbhajan Singh

Former Team India spinner Harbhajan Singh paid tribute to the late Dr. Manmohan Singh. The former cricketer praised Singh as a gentleman and visionary leader. Harbhajan emphasized that the nation will always remember Singh for his significant contributions to India.

"Saddened by the news of sudden demise of former Prime Minister, a thorough gentleman, and a visionary leader, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. What truly set him apart was his calm and steady leadership in times of crisis, his ability to navigate complex political landscapes, and his unwavering belief in India’s potential. Nation will always remember Dr. Saheb for his contributions. My deepest condolences to his family and relatives. Satnam Waheguru," Harbhajan wrote on the microblogging platform X.

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