THE Office of the Indian High Commission, on Saturday, July 30, hosted the visiting Indian cricket team for a community reception at Hotel Marriott in St Kitts & Nevis.

Team India is touring the Caribbean where they have already played three ODIs in Trinidad & Tobago, claiming a clean sweep 3-0 in the series.

They also lead the 5-game T20 series 1-0, with two games scheduled to be held in St Kitts & Nevis and the last two of the 5- match series to be played in Florida, USA.

The ‘Men in Blue’ led by Rohit Sharma, along with the team officials from the BCCI including head coach, Rahul Dravid, joined the West Indies team led by Nicholas Pooran and coached by Phil Simmons and support staff, local dignitaries, Indian diaspora, Diplomatic corps including ambassadors from Cuba & Venezuela, Cricket West Indies officials, Hon. Consul of India in St Kitts & Nevis, Ramesh Mulkanoor, and the media, as well as community leaders and guests in attending the function.

Speaking on the occasion, in his official welcome note, High Commissioner of India to Guyana with additional charge of Antigua & Barbuda, St Kitts & Nevis, Dr KJ Srinivasa welcomed Team India and the West Indies Cricket team and expressed hope for a competitive series.

He reiterated the bond West Indies and India share that dates back to 1953 when India toured West Indies for the first time.

He spoke about the welcoming spirit, hospitality and warm affection for India in the region and indicated that the local public strongly look forward to seeing the visit of Indian sports contingent which is a good example of India’s ‘soft power“, a fact well recognized across the world.

Team India Head Coach, Rahul Dravid, indicated that he had fond memories of his West Indies tours with the Indian cricket team and thanked the High commissioner for the reception.

West Indies coach, Phil Simmons, stated that he expected more close matches in the series and that both teams have great regard for each other.

High commissioner Dr LJ Srinivasa and his spouse later gifted mementos to captains and head coaches of both teams.

The event included a typical Indian dinner and interaction for the guests.