“We are rooting for India”: Israel envoy announces special contest ahead of WC Final

Expressing support for Team India ahead of the World Cup title clash against Australia, Israel Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, on November 17, announced a unique contest for cricket fans.

He urged people to share their jersey designs with the Israel Embassy and get a chance to win the special jerseys showcasing the India-Israel relationship and representing 15 Indian players.

“Shalom India! We at the embassy are very excited about the upcoming Cricket World Cup final and of course, we are rooting for India. I would like to give you 15 jerseys showcasing the bond between Israel and India,” Naor Gilon said in a video message posted on X (formerly Twitter).

He added, “I promise to send 15 jerseys to the most creative artists with their winning designs. Let the artistic cricket festivities begin. Chak de India!”

Meanwhile, India will face arch-rival Australia in the summit clash at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19. This will be a 20-year-old repeat clash of the 2003 World Cup Final when the two cricket-enthusiast nations faced each other, and India will be aiming to reverse the result of the last encounter.

Special arrangements are being made to organise the spectacle in the world’s largest cricket stadium, and several celebrities and public figures are expected to attend the match.

India stormed into the finals after beating New Zealand by 70 runs at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The star performer for India in the match was Mohammad Shami with his historic 7-wicket haul. Prior to this, India posted a solid total riding on the hundreds of Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and valuable knocks by Rohit Sharma, Shubhman Gill and KL Rahul.

On the other hand, Australia became the second finalist after defeating South Africa by three wickets in a thrilling contest at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 16.

India squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan, Prasidh Krishna, Suryakumar Yadav.

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.

(with inputs from ANI)