In a span of just one month, India has witnessed two contrasting moments that reflect the soul of this nation — a nation that bleeds for its battles and cheers wildly for its cricket.
The recent cricket victory, a long-awaited triumph after 18 years, understandably united millions in celebration. Virat Kohli, after years of criticism, pressure, and perseverance, finally lifted the trophy, earning admiration not just for his game but for his unyielding spirit. The win wasn’t just about cricket — it was about a legacy, about endurance, and the sweet taste of long-overdue success.
There was joy in every street, firecrackers lit up the sky, memes flooded social media, and not a soul dared troll the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) that night.
In fact, there was a sudden wave of national unity — at least in the cricketing sense. No one spoke of the number of wickets lost, or criticized the bowlers for giving away runs. Even Noble Dy’s usual dissection of failures was missing. It was a celebration of heroes — our cricketing heroes — who had finally given their fans something to cherish after nearly two decades.
But as we cheer for the men in blue, it is imperative that we don’t forget the men in olive green.
Just days before this sporting celebration, between May 8 and May 12, India waged another battle — Operation Sindoor — far from the stadium lights, away from the cheering crowds. This was a fight where the stakes weren’t trophies but lives, sovereignty, and national security. Our brave soldiers took on enemy forces in the rough terrains on the borders especially of Poonch and Rajouri, and after a bloody battle, emerged victorious. But this victory came at a great cost — several of our Bravehearts laid down their lives so that the rest of the country could sleep in peace.
There were no public celebrations. No headlines that roared with victory. No trending hashtags. The nation moved on almost silently, as though the sacrifice of these brave souls was just another line in the news ticker. Why?
Why is it that the death of a soldier is often marked only by a muted moment of silence, while a cricket match result triggers euphoric celebrations for days? Why are our true heroes — those who protect our borders and give up their lives for the country — remembered so fleetingly?
Even more disheartening is the political posturing that followed Operation Sindoor. While the entire world acknowledged the Indian Armed Forces’ precision, bravery, and resolve, some Indian politicians — including Rahul Gandhi, Revanth Reddy, Mamata Banerjee, and Bhagwant Mann — chose to question the very institutions that protect this nation. It is not just insensitive; it is dangerous.
These very leaders are quick to eulogise Bollywood actors and cricketers, singing praises at every hit film and cricketing milestone. But when it comes to acknowledging the grit and sacrifice of our armed forces, they choose scepticism over solidarity. It is not a question of choosing between cricket and the military. It is about recognising who deserves lasting respect — those who play for pride, or those who die for it.
This is not to diminish the achievements of Kohli or the Indian cricket team. They have made the nation proud, and their perseverance must be acknowledged. But our admiration for sports should not come at the cost of our respect for our soldiers.
Every Indian should be proud of both victories — the one on the field, and the one in the mountains. But let us not allow our celebrations to become selective.
It’s time to balance our cheers with gratitude. When a soldier returns home draped in the tricolour, he or she deserves the same, if not more, national attention as a cricket captain lifting a trophy.
Let us build a culture where we celebrate both — the victory on the battlefield and the one in the stadium. Let us ensure that the next time our forces carry out a successful operation, the country takes to the streets not in mourning, but in celebration of their unmatched courage and sacrifice.
Because trophies may shine in the cabinet — but it is the blood of our soldiers that keeps the flag flying high.
