Modi conveys best wishes to Indian team for World Cup

New Delhi, Feb 12 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday took to social networking site Twitter to convey his best wishes to the Indian cricket team for the World Cup beginning Saturday.

Defending champions India will start their Cup defence against traditional rivals Pakistan in Adelaide Sunday.

"As the 2015 Cricket World Cup begins, my best wishes to the Indian Cricket Team. Khelo dil se, World Cup lao phir se! (play with heart and get the world cup again)."

He then followed it up with a series of tweets conveying individual messages for each of the 15 players of the squad.

In an effort to boost the confidence of skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni he wrote: "My best wishes to captain cool @msdhoni. Play hard, lead well & make India proud. Knowing you, I am sure you will."

He said the entire nation is banking on vice-captain Virat Kohli for the title defence.

"I wish our flamboyant vice captain @imVkohli the very best for the upcoming campaign. The entire nation has a lot of hopes on him."

His next wishes were for openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma.

"Best wishes @SDhawan25! Give India a wonderful start every time you step on the pitch. Score many many runs, we are all there to cheer you.

The only batsman to score 2 double centuries in ODIs, @ImRo45's talent has millions of fans. Make us proud once again!"

Modi wished middle-order batsmen every success in the Cup, hoping they score freely and make the country proud.

"I wish you the very best my young friend @ajinkyarahane88. Have a wonderful World Cup. Make the most of this great opportunity.

Suresh Raina has always been agile on the field & hard-hitting with the bat. Hit them out of the park, including the bouncers :) @ImRaina.

Have a great tournament @RayuduAmbati. I am sure you will keep the runs coming & play a key role in the tournament."

He hoped that all-rounders Stuart Binny, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja would display their versatile skills to help Indians in their quest for a third title.

"Who is not a fan of Sir Jadeja? We all look forward to seeing your all round performances take India to victory! @imjadeja.

Stuart Binny’s recent all round performances have impressed all. We wish him all the best for the World Cup.

The young Axar Patel can trick the batsmen with his sharp spin & bounce. Give your best & play without pressure!"

Modi also tweeted words of inspiration for spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and pacers Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohit Sharma.

"I am sure your spin bowling will surprise the batsman & give us victory. Play well @Ashwinravi99! My good wishes.

Good luck @y_umesh. Bowl out the batsmen with your impressive speed & reverse swing.

I wish my young & extremely talented friend, Mohammed Shami the very best for the World Cup. Play well & get those wickets.

Our young fast bowler Mohit Sharma can bowl a great line & length. He is a great asset to the team. Best of luck.

Best of luck @BhuviOfficial! Swing every match in our favour. Your breakthroughs will determine how fast we will win those matches!"