Ahead of the first One-Day International (ODI) in Southampton, the Indian women’s cricket team, along with India’s Men’s Cricket Team, coaches, support staff, and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials, met the King of the United Kingdom, Charles III, at St. James’s Palace in London.
Also in attendance were Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami, Deputy High Commissioner Sujit Ghosh, BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla, and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia.
Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur described the meeting as a great experience, noting that it was the first time the entire squad had the opportunity to meet the King of the United Kingdom. Team India head coach Amol Muzumdar also called the meeting a brilliant experience, describing it as ‘one of a kind.’
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur further shared that King Charles III was very warm and approachable, spending considerable time with both the women’s and men’s squads. He even engaged in candid, one-on-one conversations with several Indian players.
The Indian squad was later pleasantly surprised by an unplanned visit from British actor Idris Elba. He told the players he had seen them and stopped by to extend his greetings. Elba was also seen interacting with members of the women’s team and remarked that it was a pleasure to meet the Indian squad.
Following their historic 3-2 T20I series victory, India Women are now in action in the One-Day International series. Opener Pratika Rawal and middle-order batter Tejal Hasabnis have joined the ODI squad as preparations intensify. India faces England on Tuesday, July 16, at The Rose Bowl, Southampton.
