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Coronavirus lockdown: India’s World Cup star turns COVID-19 warrior; Twitterati salute 'real hero'

Netizens have heaped praise on India's cricket World Cup hero Joginder Sharma for turning a coronavirus warrior. Joginder, who was the hero India's World T20 title win in South Africa in 2007, is now a police superintendent and is patrolling the streets in Hisar, Haryana amid the 21-day lockdown in India

Coronavirus lockdown India World Cup star COVID-19 warrior Twitterati salute
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Hisar, First Published Mar 30, 2020, 5:42 PM IST

Hisar (Haryana): Every Indian cricket fan remembers how India won the ICC World Twenty20 title in 2007 in South Africa. The bowling hero of that title triumph on September 24, 2007 was paceman Joginder Sharma, who bowled the final over against Pakistan and successfully defended 12 runs.

Now, Joginder has turned real hero off the field helping India battle the deadly novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Also read: List of cricketers who have donated to PM CARES Fund

The 36-year-old Joginder is patrolling the streets in Hisar, Haryana as a deputy superintendent of police (DSP). India is under a 21-day lockdown to combat coronavirus and the World Cup star is busy with his police duties.

Joginder took to Twitter to post pictures of the same and wrote, “It’s time to execute restless duties for the nation,not only us  but I request you all to be equivalent to us in maintaining social distance and be at your home, It’s time for all to prove ourself a real Patriot.And real patriotism is now in fighting simultaneously with COVID-19 (sic).”

Also read: Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma make donation to PM CARES Fund

The global body of cricket International Cricket Council (ICC) hailed Joginder as “real world hero” as it tweeted pictures. ICC wrote, “2007: #T20WorldCup hero 2020: Real world hero In his post-cricket career as a policeman, India's Joginder Sharma is among those doing their bit amid a global health crisis (sic).”

Joginder played four ODIs and four T20Is for India. Unfortunately, he never featured in an Indian jersey after that historic World T20 final in Johannesburg.

Coronavirus lockdown India World Cup star COVID-19 warrior Twitterati salute

Speaking to AFP news agency on Monday (March 30), Joginder said the current contribution as a policeman is “much bigger” than his cricket exploits.

“Obviously this contribution is much bigger because people are losing their lives. It was also a big thing, winning the World Cup for India, but here we have to save the nation. . And even if I am playing a small part in this, then it is huge,” Joginder said.

On social media, netizens have hailed Joginder, the policeman in these difficult times. Several users said, “hats off” and thanked the former right-arm bowler.

Former India batsman S Badrinath wrote on Twitter, “#JoginderSharma @jogisharma83 DSP @ Haryana Police , hats off, proud  of you buddy #REALHERO #IndiaFightsCorona #CoronavirusOutbreak (sic).”

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