Cricket fans burn posters of team players after India’s loss

Angry Cricket supporters in Agartala burn the posters of Indian team

New Delhi: Indian fans were crushed after team India’s chase in the World Cup tournament came to an agonizing end on Thursday.
After enjoying the euphoria of seven consecutive wins in the Cricket World Cup, the Indian team were outplayed by an Australian side that thumped the defending champions by 95 runs to romp into the final.
While fans across the cricket crazy nation were disappointed, with some drawn to tears, others took the loss to another level. They smashed TV sets and protested in the streets to express their bitter disappointment.
Subash Sharma, an Indian cricket fan, said: “It was a disappointing show by Indian players. They have let the country down and we condemn it.”
Another fan, Hussain, said: “A few hours ago we were praying for our victory. All through the tournament we spent our money on firecrackers, forgot all about our jobs each time India won a match. But this defeat has left us extremely disappointed.”
Meanwhile, angry fans in Gorakhpur in northern Uttar Pradesh state burned posters of skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni along with those of star batsman Virat Kohli and bowler Ravinder Jadeja, prompting authorities to step up security outside the residences of the players.
But in the bigger picture, other fans accepted that loss is part of the sport and continued to vouch for the team.
Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Sports Minister, said: “GIST: They have shown us a quality match throughout. Sometimes this (loss) happens. The way they have played, in our eyes they are no less than world champions. We are thankful to them for the good display of batting, bowling and fielding.”