NEW DELHI: The title slipped out of their grasp but the Indian women's cricket team earned plaudits aplenty for its gritty World Cup campaign with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the iconic Sachin Tendulkar leading the tributes.
The Indian women's team lost by nine runs to England in a tense summit clash of the World Cup last night, finishing runners-up for the second time -- the previous being the 2005 edition.
"Our women cricketers gave their best today. They have shown remarkable tenacity & skill through the World Cup. Proud of the team! @BCCIWomen," Modi tweeted.
The Indian men's team coach Ravi Shastri said Mithali Raj and Co. can take pride for a campaign, during which they beat six-time champions Australia in the semifinals.
"Chin up girls. You have done the country proud. Well done #TeamIndia," he tweeted.
Former cricketers, led by Tendulkar, also hailed the team for their overall performance in the tournament.
"Feel for all of you, #WomenInBlue! You were good throughout but sometimes it is not meant to be. Congrats England on winning #WWC17Final!," said Tendulkar, who was part of India's 2003 World Cup team that had lost the finals to Australia.
Virender Sehwag wrote: "Super proud of the girls. Tough luck today but womens cricket in India has truly arrived.
Thank you girls. Salute your spirit."
Stylish former batsman VVS Laxman also said the country is proud of the way they performed in the tournament.
"To @M_Raj03 & every member of the @BCCIWomen team,you may have lost the finals but you won the hearts of the entire country??Proud of u all????," he wrote.
Gautam Gambhir and Mohammed Kaif too paid rich tributes to the side.
"You made us dream, You made us believe, We're proud of all you girls! Real honor to hve watched u play! #WWC17Final #WomenInBlue," tweeted Gambhir.
"Congrats England but so so proud of our girls for winning a billion hearts. This will be a defining moment in women's cricket," added Kaif.
Olympic bronze-medallist shooter Gagan Narang wrote: "Despite the outcome well done @BCCIWomen for the dream run and exceptional performances #WWCFinal17 #INDvsEng Good Luck for the future????".