Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has reminisced about the moment when Pat Cummins stood awkwardly on stage, receiving the World Cup trophy from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad. Maxwell found the incident amusing, playfully remarking that it felt like it lasted for 10 minutes.
What happened that day?
The Australian team, led by captain Pat Cummins, concluded a remarkable winter in 2023 by securing a World Cup trophy. Adding to their achievements of a World Test Championship and retaining the Ashes series. Despite starting the tournament with two losses, Australia bounced back, winning nine consecutive games. Ultimately, they stood on the podium after defeating the top team in the competition, India. And Cummins had the honour of receiving the trophy from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Yet, the video of PM Modi presenting the trophy to Cummins gained widespread attention. As the Australian captain found himself alone on the podium. After delivering the trophy, both Modi and Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles departed from the stage. Subsequently, Modi shook hands with all the Australian players. Leaving Cummins on the podium with the trophy, awaiting the arrival of his teammates.
Mixed opinions from the fans
“Either the fireworks should’ve been set off when the whole team was there on the podium to celebrate. Or the whole team should’ve already been there on the podium. And Pat brought the trophy on the stage,” posted an individual.
This is the unedited clip! pic.twitter.com/xUgVJTLSTV
— Abhinav Prakash (@Abhina_Prakash) November 19, 2023
Another added, “Nothing is bad in this video. The best team deserves the World Cup. It hurts we couldn’t take the cup this year, but we will get in 2027.”
“Pat Cummins was just soaking it all in with the trophy in hand. And waiting for his teammates to join him on the stage,” shared a third.
Maxwell called it funny
Fans held differing opinions on the issue, and now, a couple of weeks post the final, Glenn Maxwell has responded to the video. He mentioned that Cummins handled the situation adeptly, not magnifying the issue. Maxwell acknowledged that although the wait for Cummins seemed longer than. The Australian captain handled it with respect and exceptional composure.
“It was quite funny watching the videos of the post-match presentation where he shook Modi’s hand and was stuck there on the podium,” Maxwell remarked in an interview with The Age.
“It felt like that lasted for about 10 minutes, him just standing there with the trophy waiting for the group to come on. But he actually dealt with it with class. He didn’t make a big song and dance about it, [he] just thought ‘you know what, I’ll wait here, be respectful.’ Not everyone would’ve dealt with that like he did,” he added.
Maxwell and Cummins led Australia in two significant partnerships during the tournament, notably in the remarkable chase against Afghanistan. In that match, the hard-hitting all-rounder, despite being on a single leg, set a record with his unbeaten 201*.
Importance of Maxwell in World Cup
Playing a pivotal role in Australia’s victory, Maxwell secured the winning runs in the final. He etched his name in history during the tournament by achieving the fastest World Cup century, accomplishing a 40-ball ton against the Netherlands. Subsequently, Maxwell delivered what is arguably considered the greatest innings in ODI cricket history with a stunning double ton against Afghanistan. This feat not only marked the first double century while chasing in ODI history but also the first by a non-opener.
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