From Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli, here's how cricket fraternity welcomed IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman

The entire nation was wishing Abhinandan Varthaman for his return to India after he was captured by Pakistani Air Force on Wednesday following an air encounter between the countries. The cricket fraternity is no exception. From BCCI to Sachin Tendulkar everyone took to their official Twitter handle to share a special message for the IAF pilot.

The BCCI wrote, “#WelcomeHomeAbhinandan You rule the skies and you rule our hearts. Your courage and dignity will inspire generations to come #TeamIndia.” BCCI shared a team India jersey with Abhinandan’s name engraved on it.

Former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar also welcomed the brave soldier and Tweeted, “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.”

Former cricketer Virender Sehwag also took to Twitter to welcome Abhinandan, Sehwag wrote “How proud we are to have you ! Bow down to your skills and even more your grit and courage #WelcomeBackAbhinandan . We love you and are filled with pride because of you. #WeAreSupposedToTellYouThis.”

Indian skipper Virat Kohli said, “Real Hero. I bow down to you. Jai Hind.” Vice-captain Rohit Sharma wrote, “Welcome to our motherland #WingCommanderAbhinandan Another name for bravery.”

Earlier, the IAF Pilot Abhinandan’s fighter jet MiG 21 was shot down during an aerial warfare with Pakistan’s F16 and he landed in the region of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, and later on was apprehended by the Pakistani officials.

Through diplomatic channels and international pressure mounting on Pakistan to act against terrorism, PM Imran Khan on February 28 announced in the special session of Parliament that they would be releasing Abhinandan on March 1 in a “peaceful gesture” and with a hope that the tension de-escalates between the two neighbouring countries.

India had earlier carried out “pre-emptive non-military” strikes across the LoC and targeted the terror camps of the Jaish-e-Mohammad by dropping almost 1000 kgs of bomb through IAF Mirage 2000 and in retaliation, Pakistan had sent its F 16 fighter jets in counter retaliation.