Former India head coach Ravi Shastri took a moment during the Kolkata Knight Riders-Chennai Super Kings clash in IPL 2025 to hail the Indian armed forces’ precise and strategic counterterrorism response — Operation Sindoor — in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The Operation was carried out in response to response to the terror attack in Pahalgam in which 26 Indian tourists lost their lives. The air and missile strikes focused only on terror infrastructure linked with internationally designated groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. While speaking on commentary, Shastri mentioned the subject and said, ‘Terrific job done by our armed forces.’ Earlier, several cricketers—many of whom have long been vocal in support of India’s armed forces—were quick to respond with heartfelt messages on social media, using hashtags like #OperationSindoor and #JaiHind, now trending nationwide. Sachin Tendulkar, the master blaster, weighed in with a unifying message that struck a chord across age groups: “Fearless in unity. Boundless in strength. India’s shield is her people. There’s no room for terrorism in this world. We’re ONE TEAM!” “Wrestling icon and Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia, whose brother was killed in the Pahalgam attack, also broke his silence with a moving tribute to the Army’s bravery. “I am immensely proud of our Indian Army. They have honoured the death of my brother with justice, courage, and precision,” Punia told IANS. “Their actions have brought some solace to families like mine while making the entire nation proud. It is our duty to support the armed forces without division or politics. On matters of national security, the country must speak in one voice. Let this operation be a warning: any attack on India will be met with strength and resolve,” said Punia. Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian men’s team, was among the first to salute the armed forces. A known advocate for national security and a former MP, Gambhir shared a succinct but powerful message: “Jai Hind”. Aakash Chopra, former opener-turned-commentator, echoed Gambhir’s sentiment in a similarly patriotic post: “Jai Hind” Pragyan Ojha, ex-India spinner and former players’ association representative, also joined the chorus of respect: “Jai Hind” Harbhajan Singh, a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha, minced no words in his tribute. In a social media post, he wrote: “JAI HIND #OperationSindoor is Bharat’s response to the brutal killing of our innocent brothers in Pahalgam.” Jhulan Goswami, legendary Indian women’s team pacer, hailed the operation with poetic precision in her post: “Precision. Purpose. Power. That’s how India answers. #OperationSindoor” Shikhar Dhawan, known for his flair both on and off the field, posted a short clip on Instagram capturing the spirit of the operation, with the caption: “Jo kaha tha, woh karke dikhaya. Justice is served. Bharat Mata Ki Jai!” (“We did what we said we would. Justice is served. Hail Mother India!”). India men’s cricket team fast bowler Mohd Shami said, “The Indian Armed Forces turned adversity into a powerful Fateh moment. Their courage and valor in the face of danger have made us all proud. Jai hind” (With IANS Inputs)