As India grapples with intensifying tensions along the western border, cricketing icon Virat Kohli has emerged as a voice of national unity. The former India captain took to social media with an emotionally charged tribute to the Indian Armed Forces, praising their valor in the face of escalating hostilities with Pakistan. His message came in the wake of Operation Sindoor, a strategic offensive launched by India in retaliation to the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, where innocent tourists were targeted. Kohli’s heartfelt statement, infused with patriotic fervor, swiftly went viral, resonating with millions across the country and beyond.
“We stand in solidarity with, and salute our armed forces for fiercely protecting our country in these difficult times. We are forever indebted to our heroes for their unwavering bravery and heartfelt gratitude for the sacrifices they and their families make for our great nation. JAI HIND.”
The timing of Kohli’s tribute—amid rising India-Pakistan border tensions—struck a chord not just with fans but also with fellow cricketers and IPL franchises. His post became a rallying cry for unity, inspiring other top teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to stand up and salute the bravery of the forces.
Soon after Kohli’s post, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), his long-time IPL franchise, issued a statement on social media:
“In this hour of national crisis, we salute the unwavering courage and bravery of our Indian Armed Forces, and pray for the safety of everyone in India. Jai Hind.”
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) echoed similar sentiments, their messages flooding social platforms with patriotic hashtags like #JaiHind, #SaluteToForces, and #IndiaFirst. The unified response from the cricketing world not only uplifted the morale of the armed forces but also galvanized public sentiment during this volatile period.
In an unprecedented move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the suspension of the IPL 2025 season, just days before its scheduled finale. The decision followed a tense incident at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, where a match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) was abruptly called off amid security alerts.
As spectators exited the stadium, chants of “Pakistan Murdabad” filled the air—a clear sign of the public’s heightened emotions. Teams were immediately escorted back to their hotels, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Amid the ongoing crisis, the Indian Army confirmed that it successfully repelled multiple Pakistani drone attacks across the Line of Control (LoC) during the intervening night of May 8-9. Indian forces also responded to ceasefire violations (CFVs) with decisive retaliation.
A key factor in India’s robust defense has been the Akash surface-to-air missile system—a “Made in India” solution that played a pivotal role in neutralizing aerial threats. Defence officials emphasized its effective deployment by both the Army and Air Force along the Pakistan border, showcasing the country’s growing self-reliance in military technology.
