King Charles III hosted India at St. James’s Palace in London the day after the Indian team lost to England by a slim margin of 22 runs in the third Test at Lord’s. Both men’s and women’s teams were present to engage with the highness during the encounter, which was held in the Clarence House Garden.
During their meeting with the King, captain Shubman Gill, coach Gautam Gambhir, and the entire team even talked about the outcome of the Test match. The 76-year-old also talked about Mohammed Siraj’s unfortunate dismissal, which cost the home team the series as the ball went onto the stumps.
“It was amazing to meet King Charles III, and he was very kind and generous to call us. We had some really good conversations. King Charles III told us that the way our last batsman got out in the previous test match was quite unfortunate, the ball rolling on the stumps…We told him that it was an unfortunate match for us and could have gone either way. Hopefully, we will have better luck in both the next games,” said Gill while speaking to the media, as quoted by Times Now.
“A Very Historic Moment” – Rajeev Shukla on King Charles Hosting Teams
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and vice-president Rajeev Shukla introduced the players to the King, who was also intrigued about their personal life outside of cricket. Afterwards, Shukla disclosed that King Charles personally inquired about the cancer-stricken sister of Indian pacer Akash Deep.
“It was a very historic moment when King Charles III invited the Men’s and Women’s Indian Cricket teams. The players are very happy after meeting him…The King also asked me about the book that I gave him…He also asked me about the health of Indian Cricketer Akash Deep’s sister. We had a discussion with the King regarding the Lord’s test match…The King said that the dismissal of Mohammed Siraj was very unfortunate; otherwise, India could have won the match…The team has proved that they are fighters…We will win the series.”
Rajeev Shukla
Members of the Indian women’s team were also present at the conference, having just won a historic 3-2 T20I series against England, India’s first in English circumstances. The group included Rajasthan Royals owner Manoj Badale as well as head coaches Gautam Gambhir (men’s) and Amol Muzumdar (women’s).
