From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli: Cricket stars celebrate India’s 80th Independence Day

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India’s 80th Independence Day brought a wave of patriotic messages from across the cricket fraternity, with former captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli among the prominent names extending their greetings to fans. As the country celebrated its Independence Day on August 15, cricketers past and present took to social media to mark the occasion and express their pride in the nation.

India became independent from British rule in 1947 after nearly two centuries of colonial rule. August 15, 2026, therefore marks the country’s 80th Independence Day, although 79 years have been completed since independence.

Rohit, one of the most successful Indian captains of the modern era, shared a heartfelt message through his Instagram story. The former India skipper highlighted the pride he feels whenever he represents or carries the national flag.

“Always proud to carry the Indian 🇮🇳. Happy Independence Day!” Rohit wrote.

The message reflected the strong emotional connection Indian cricketers share with the national flag. Having represented India across formats for more than a decade, Rohit has been part of several memorable moments for the country, including India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph and the 2025 Champions Trophy victory.

Kohli also joined the celebrations with a message centred around freedom, unity and India’s diversity. The former India captain used his Instagram story to look beyond cricket and celebrate the broader values associated with the occasion.

“Celebrating the freedom that unites us, the diversity that defines us, and the dreams that drive us forward. May we continue building an India that inspires generations. Jai Hind,” Kohli wrote.

Kohli’s message struck a reflective tone as he urged people to look towards a future shaped by unity and ambition. His words resonated with the spirit of a national occasion that brings together people from different backgrounds.

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Rohit and Kohli were not the only Indian cricket stars to mark the occasion. Several current and former cricketers also shared Independence Day messages on social media, adding to the celebrations among fans. Sachin Tendulkar, Shreyas Iyer and Anil Kumble were among those who posted messages for the occasion.

Happy Independence Day! 🇮🇳

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 15, 2026

Happy Independence Day 🇮🇳 🇮🇳 Let us celebrate the spirit of freedom, honour the sacrifices of those who gave us our independence, and continue to contribute towards building a stronger, more united and progressive India. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 🇮🇳

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 15, 2026

Some of the proudest moments of my life have come wearing the India jersey. 🇮🇳❤️ Here’s to the country that gave me the dream, the opportunity and the belief to chase it. Happy 80th Independence Day.

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) August 15, 2026

Their sacrifice. Our freedom.Our responsibility: India🇮🇳Jai Hind 🇮🇳

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 15, 2026

Happy Independence Day 🇮🇳

— Shreyas Iyer (@ShreyasIyer15) August 15, 2026

Happy Independence Day 🇮🇳 Jai Hind

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 15, 2026

Wishing everyone a very happy Independence Day.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 15, 2026

Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind 🇮🇳

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 15, 2026

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