Indian Cricket Fratnerity Welcomes Back Abhinandan Varthaman

India cricketers, past and present, have welcomed Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who has returned home after being in Pakistan’s custody for two days. The entire nation is celebrating the return of the Indian Air Force Wing Commander as the heroic soldier crossed over the Indian border just after 9pm on Friday night.

Varthaman had fallen in the enemy territory while carrying out operations near the border area.  Before he ejected from his aging MiG-21 hit in the aerial dogfight over the skies of Jammu, he had shot down a fourth generation F-16 fighter.

He was brutally beaten by Pakistani villagers before being taken by soldiers in clips that have since gone viral on social media. Later, a video showed a blindfolded Abhinandan telling his name and service number.  Pakistan later released another video, showing the officer receiving good treatment.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday announced that Abhinandan would be handed over to India as a “peace gesture” and the moment finally came on a rainy night on Friday after hours of waiting.  Indian sports personalities, Bollywood actors and prominent politicians celebrated his return on social media throughout the day.

Abhinandan has been hailed by entire nation for his courage and composure. Despite being in such a tough position, the senior pilot was not nervous in Pakistan’s custody and politely refused to answer queries on his mission.

India cricket team captain Virat Kohli led the tributes for the soldier, writing:

“Real Hero. I bow down to you. Jai Hind ??????”

Real Hero. I bow down to you. Jai Hind ?????? pic.twitter.com/kDgocwpclA

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 1, 2019

Legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar wrote:

“A hero is more than just four letters. Through his courage, selflessness and perseverance, OUR HERO teaches us to have faith in ourselves.”

A hero is more than just four letters. Through his courage, selflessness and perseverance, OUR HERO teaches us to have faith in ourselves.#WelcomeHomeAbhinandan

Jai Hind ??

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 1, 2019

Other cricketers joined in too. Here are some of the messages:

Our brave pilot #Abhinanadan after having ejected on d other side of d boarder n being in thr captivity is back home.We r proud of u n all our armed https://t.co/Ify1t0VAmt dis escalated situation between d2 countries,also would like 2 recognize d humanitarian gesture #JaiHind

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 1, 2019

A big salute to wing commander Abhinandan Varthaman #Abhinandan. He is the real hero #Hero. A very big salute to the defence team & IAF on the successful surgical strike. Great respect #respect to our PM Narendramodi ji @narendramodi.#JaiHind #Peace #Salute #IAF #Bravery. pic.twitter.com/RUvCZsha7w

— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) March 1, 2019

I must say I was nervous before he returned. I am glad India got its son back!!! #Abhinanadan #AbhinanadanVarthaman pic.twitter.com/xz3XA0qElR

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) March 1, 2019

विंग कमांडर अभिनंदन का स्वदेश में हार्दिक अभिनंदन और उनकी वीरता को सलाम ???? pic.twitter.com/gDrd60jrtc

— Umesh Yaadav (@y_umesh) March 1, 2019

The nation salutes your valour , selflessness and grit. #WelcomeHomeAbhinandan ? pic.twitter.com/N432Qk2ajT

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 1, 2019

We salute your bravery #WelcomeHomeAbhinandan ??

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) March 1, 2019

Welcome home…we are proud of u..#Abhinandancomingback

— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) March 1, 2019