Indian cricket players wore black armbands in the first ODI match against the West Indies to condole the death of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar on Sunday.
Mangeshkar, one of the biggest music icons of the country, died due to multiple organ failure in a Mumbai hospital earlier in the day, according to her sister Usha Mangeshkar and doctors treating her. She was 92.
The sporting fraternity led by cricketers paid glowing tributes to the melody queen, saying she will forever remain in everyone's heart.
The India vs West Indies series starts on Sunday with the first of the three ODIs at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
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"The Indian Cricket Team is wearing black armbands today to pay their respects to Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar ji who left for her heavenly abode on Sunday morning. The queen of melody, Lata didi loved cricket, always supported the game and backed Team India," a Twitter post from the Indian cricket board (BCCI) read.
"Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Lata ji. Her melodious songs touched millions of people around the world. Thank you for all the music and the memories. My deepest condolences to the family & the loved ones," batting great Virat Kohli tweeted.
Former Windies cricketer Daren Ganga wrote, "RIP Lata Mangeshkar, I grew up in the Caribbean listening to your timeless music…your music shall live on!!!"
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India opener Shikhar Dhawan wrote on his Twitter page, "Your music touched our soul and made us smile. Rest in Peace Lata Mangeshkar Ji. Your legacy will inspire generations to come."
Test specialist and India batter Ajinkya Rahane said in Mangeshkar's demise, the country lost its Nightingale.
"India lost her Nightingale today. Prayers are with Lata didi family as we mourn this difficult hour. Om Shanti.
Spin legend Anil Kumble added: "Deepest condolences on the passing of #LataMangeshkar. Her legendary voice will continue to inspire."
Former India batter and current National Cricket Academy head VVS Laxman said, "Pained to receive news of Bharat Ratna #Lata Mangeshkar didi demise. Her voice and melodies will remain immortal. Condolences to her family, friends and millions of fans all over the world. Om Shanti."
Former India opener Virender Sehwag wrote: "The Nightingale of India, a voice which has resonated with, brought joy and happiness to millions around the world leaves. Heartfelt Condolences to her family and fans. Om Shanti #LataMangeshkar."
“Legends live for eternity! No one will ever be like her! #LataMangeshkar," Gautam Gambir said.
Indian women's team captain Mithali Raj wrote: "Extremely saddened by the demise of the Nightingale of India, Lata Mangeshkar ji. A big loss for India. Her magical voice shall remain immortal. Om Shanti."
The Indian football team also paid tributes to the legendary singer.
"We mourn the passing away of the late singer #LataMangeshkar, the Nightingale of India. May her soul rest in peace. #RIP."
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Olympic medallist boxer Vijender Singh also condoled the demise of Mangeshkar, tweeting: "Om Shanti."
Soon to be retired tennis star, Sania Mirza said the world miss the 'nightingale' of India.
Legendary shooter Abhinav Bindra offered "condolences to her family & billions of die-hard fans like me."
Mangeshkar had tested positive for coronavirus with mild symptoms and was admitted on January 8 to the Breach Candy Hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where she was being treated by Dr Pratit Samdani and his team.
India skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to field first. For India, Deepak Hooda is making his international debut in what is the country's 1000th ODI.
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India included a couple of youngsters in the team after being rocked by a few COVID positive cases in the lead-up to the series.
Washington Sundar, who has recovered from the infection and his injury, is the second frontline spinner behind Yuzvendra Chahal. Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj will form India's seam attack.
It is also a comeback match for skipper Rohit, who missed the Test series against South Africa due to a left hamstring injury and was also subsequently forced to skip the ODIs against the Proteas.
For the Windies, Kemar Roach, Fabian Allen and Darren Bravo are the noticeable inclusion in the playing XI.
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Skipper Kieron Pollard also opted to go with left-arm finger-spinner Akeal Hosein ahead of leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr.
