During the evening, Murali Kartik (R) informed the gathering, “We have a Dutch citizen here.” To which Suresh Raina (L) replied, “I am an Indian citizen. After my wife and I got married, I lived in Holland for some time. She used to work in a Dutch bank.” Murali teased, “You are the son-in-law of the Netherlands”
‘People in the embassy are analysing games’
The team is set to face Australia at Arun Jaitley Stadium today, and the embassy staff plans to go and cheer for the team.
Addressing the gathering, the Dutch Ambassador shared, “All the dignitaries are also cricket fans. I just arrived here as the ambassador and was really amazed to see how popular the game is in India because we also love it in the Netherlands. But in India, it is next level with all the stadiums being packed, and you can see it everywhere. People are never excited about the things we share on the embassy chat group except when the games are on, and they analyse and exchange all kinds of information. So, for me, I also became an expert in just a few weeks’ time, and it also shows me the power of sports because it really unites. It gives something to talk about, and it is really a lot of fun.”
Dutch Ambassador Marisa Gerards and Peter Knoope
Australian High Commissioner Philip Green
‘You guys made everyone proud by defeating South Africa’
Appreciating the team, Murali said, “You guys have made everyone proud with that giant-killing act, defeating South Africa. I think you guys will only get better; I saw some exciting talent. You just have to enjoy it. Not everybody gets to play in the World Cup, and India is a special place to play that.” Raina added to that and said, “And especially when they danced in Himachal with local music, that really pumped them.” On a personal note, Raina added, “I have also learned some Dutch; maybe I can speak to you in Dutch next time.”
How’s the WC been so far?
Suresh Raina: I am cheering for India; there is no better team than India. I think New Zealand is the biggest competitor. I want the team to win the World Cup again. Rohit is leading the team really well, and everybody is doing well.
British High Commissioner Alex Ellis: They beat South Africa, which I think was beyond my team. My expectations are not too high for England, but who knows? They might recover. South Africa, India, and New Zealand are looking very good.
British High Commissioner Alex Ellis
“I have to thank the team for the T-shirt I got. We are here to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship, to celebrate the Dutch participation in the cricket World Cup because I also want to thank you for winning last week (against South Africa) because I saw RSVPs were coming a little quicker after you won the game,” said Marisa Gerards
Aryan Dutt and Scott Edwards, captain of the Netherlands cricket team
“I am literally trying to dance my way through India. It was such a wonderful experience when I saw the dances in Dharamshala. I could not help myself and I posted it the other day and it is viral. People know that I like to dance. They are not shocked that I am dancing my way through India,” said Logan van Beek.
Paul van Meekeren (L) and Bas de Leede
Bas de Leede, said, “There are actually people who come and watch cricket in India. They are very loud, they really want to get a photo with you. It is pretty cool.”
