As cross-border tensions flare between India and Pakistan, former Indian cricket stars Virender Sehwag and Shikhar Dhawan have come out in strong support of the Indian Armed Forces, commending their swift and decisive action in the face of recent aggression.
Taking to social media platform X, Sehwag criticised Pakistan’s provocations and warned of an unforgettable response. “War has been chosen by Pakistan when they had an opportunity to keep quiet. They have escalated to save its terrorist assets—speaks so much about them. Our forces will reply in the most appropriate manner, a manner Pakistan will never forget,” he posted.
War has been chosen by Pakistan when they had an opportunity to keep quiet.
They have escalated to save it’s terrorist assets, speaks so much about them.
Our forces will reply in the most appropriate manner, a manner Pakistan will never forget.— Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) May 8, 2025
Shikhar Dhawan also praised the armed forces for their resilience and professionalism. “Respect to our brave hearts for protecting our borders with such strength and stopping the drone attack on Jammu. India stands strong. Jai Hind!” Dhawan wrote on X.
Respect to our brave hearts for protecting our borders with such strength and stopping the drone attack on Jammu. India stands strong. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) May 8, 2025
The cricketers’ statements came as Pakistan launched a series of aerial attacks on Indian territory. On Thursday, defence sources reported that Pakistan fired eight missiles targeting key locations including Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia in Jammu and Kashmir. All incoming missiles were intercepted and neutralised by Indian air defence systems.
Additionally, explosions were reported in Udhampur and Jaisalmer, where Indian forces intercepted Pakistani drones. As a precautionary measure, several regions including Bikaner (Rajasthan), Jalandhar and Amritsar (Punjab), and Kishtwar, Akhnoor, Samba, and Jammu (J&K) were placed under blackout to protect against potential aerial threats.
These developments come shortly after India launched Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory campaign involving precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The operation was in direct response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 28 civilians dead.
India has reaffirmed its stance that any attack on its military infrastructure will be met with a strong and appropriate response. As the situation remains tense, messages of unity and support from public figures like Sehwag and Dhawan have bolstered public morale and reinforced solidarity with the armed forces.