Modi and Albanese watch Ind-Aus Test match for half an hour after stadium tour in Gujarat

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the fourth Test match between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi stadium for half an hour. Before the start of the game, the two leaders handed over Test caps to their respective team captains. They then watched the match from the President’s Box at the world’s largest stadium, after taking a round of the imposing sports arena on a golf cart. The round of the playing turf on a golf cart by the two dignitaries was applauded by thousands of spectators.

The two PMs also met players from both sides and stood along side them when the national anthems of India and Australia were sung. They also visited the ‘Hall of Fame’ museum at the Narendra Modi stadium.

The massive crowd had started assembling from different parts of the state since early morning, most of them carrying the Tricolour and sporting face paint. Vendors selling India t-shirts and other items for match day soon ran out of stock. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party had arranged a large number of passes for the match and had distributed them to people. Several of them left after spending some time at the stadium.

Albanese arrived in Gujarat on Wednesday and attended some programmes, while Modi reached the state late at night. Fans were delighted to see Modi, who is considered a lucky charm for the Indian cricket team. “We came here to watch PM Modi. His presence will turn the tide in favour of India in this Test match. Modi hai to mumkin hai,” said a fan.

India lead the four-match series 2-1. Australian captain Steve Smith won the toss and opted to bat in the series-deciding fourth Test. Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith engineered Australia’s most productive session on the tour, taking their side to 149 for 2 at tea on the first day.

The visit of the two PMs to the stadium added more excitement to the already highly anticipated match. The Narendra Modi stadium has been in the news lately for being the world’s largest cricket stadium, with a capacity of 1,10,000 people. It is also known for its state-of-the-art facilities and modern architecture.

Overall, the presence of Modi and Albanese at the match showed the close ties between India and Australia, not only in the field of sports but also in the political arena. Their visit also highlighted the importance of sports diplomacy, which can bring people and countries together.