[Watch] Baahubali actor makes a special appearance in video on Indian team's arrival in Dubai for the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup
Baahubali actor Rana Daggubati gave his best wishes to the Indian team as they arrived in Dubai for the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup. The actor featured in a video shared on BCCI Women's X handle, which had glimpses of the Indian team's touchdown in Dubai.
The 2024 Women's T20 World Cup will be played in the United Arab Emirates from October 3 to October 20. The tournament was initially scheduled to be held in Bangladesh but had to be shifted due to the civil unrest in the country.
On Wednesday, September 25, the BCCI Women's social media handle shared a video of the Women in Blue arriving in Dubai to take part in the ICC event. Making a special appearance at the start of the clip, Daggubati is heard saying:
"I just bumped into these amazing people at the airport, and I am wishing them all the very best. Thank you."
Here's the video:
India will begin their campaign in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup against New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 4. The Women in Blue, who are in Group A, next face arch-rivals Pakistan at the same venue on October 6.
India's third match also be in Dubai, against Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka on October 9. They conclude their group stage against defending champions Australia in Sharjah on October 13.
"This is the best team we are going for a T20 World Cup with" - Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur
India have come close to winning ICC titles over the last decade but are yet to win a World Cup in any format. They reached the semis of the 2023 T20 World Cup in South Africa but went down to eventual champions Australia. The Women in Blue suffered another setback when they were stunned by Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final.
However, ahead of the Indian team's departure for the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur expressed confidence about the side doing a good job. She said:
"If I talk about this team, we have a few players who have been playing for a long time and they know their roles really well. I can say that this is the best team we are going for a T20 World Cup with.
"It was hard as last time we came so close as we lost the semis. But every time you need to think about the positives, work hard on yourself and your fitness. We’ve tried to tick all the boxes before going into the tournament,” the Indian captain stated.
India bowled first in the 2023 T20 World Cup semi-final against Australia in Newlands and conceded 172-4. Chasing the challenging target, they finished on 167-8. Skipper Harmanpreet was run-out for 52 in unlucky fashion as her bat got stuck in the ground.