Team India cricketers are seen sporting black armbands in the ICC World Test Championship final in memory of Milkha Singh, who passed away last night. The greatest Indian Olympian, who was 91 years old, died due to post covid symptoms.

The news comes five days after his wife Nirmal also passed away due to post-covid complications. Milkha Singh, who won four Asian gold medals and finished fourth in the 400m final at the 1960 Rome Olympics, was tested positive for COVID-19 on May 19 and was in isolation at his Chandigarh residence after revealing that he was asymptomatic.

However, a few days later, on May 24, Milkha Singh was admitted to the ICU department of Mohali’s Fortis hospital due to “COVID-19 pneumonia”. He was then moved to PGIMER in Chandigarh on June 3. Finally, after valiant efforts from the doctors, he tested negative on June 13 but eventually succumbed to the post covid symptoms.

In memory of India’s finest athletes, Indian cricketers decided to wear black armbands during their WTC final against New Zealand at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

New Zealand put India to bat first

The Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and asked India to bat first in the WTC final. Although Virat Kohli admitted that they would have also liked to bowl first but is ready for the challenge.

“We would’ve probably bowled first as well. But runs on the board has been our strength. In a big final, runs on the board, however many, are an advantage. As you saw the makeup of our side, the balance is such that we prepare for any conditions. We’ve been performing really well in Test cricket. For us this is just a Test match we have to be professional in, have to follow our processes,” Kohli said at the toss.