File image of Virat Kohli
Indian captain Virat Kohli led the way as Indian cricketers backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to declare a 21-day lockdown in the country to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
"As our Honourable Prime Minister, Shri @NarendraModi ji just announced, the whole country is going into a lockdown starting midnight today for the next 21 days. My request will remain the same, PLEASE STAY AT HOME. #SocialDistancing is the only cure for Covid 19," tweeted Kohli.
Ace Test spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also tweeted in support of the move. "3 weeks it is ... let's stay indoors India. I repeat the consequences of irresponsible community behaviour over the next 3 weeks could cost us 2 decades. Well done @narendramodi ji. Now let's follow instructions rather than moaning and giving our own opinions," Ashwin said in a tweet.
Here are some of the tweets from other sports personalities...
The PM announced on Tuesday that a nationwide three-week lockdown starting from Tuesday midnight will be adhered to by all states and union territories.
He said this is an essential step to fight coronavirus decisively. He added that saving lives is priority as of now.
"With folded hands, I request you to stay put wherever you are," said Prime Minister Modi. He added that he is mindful of the economic ramifications of it. However, this is a smaller concern.
PM Modi warned, if we don't follow a complete lockdown for the coming 21 days, the nation will go back 21 years and many families will be devastated.
He also said many powerful countries in the world have become helpless, regardless of their efforts. He once again reiterated that social distancing is the only way to deal with this deadly coronavirus that has infected more than 500 in India, so far.
This is his second address to the nation regarding coronavirus. In his first address he urged Indians to observe 'Janata Curfew'.
