It was supposed to be the perfect ending for Team India, but the Men in Blue were defeated by Australia by six wickets in the 2023 World Cup final on Sunday. Host India, who had dominated the event, fell at the last hurdle in front of a raucous Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
After being sent to bat after losing the toss, the Men in Blue managed only 240 runs. Skipper Rohit Sharma (47 off 31), Virat Kohli (54 off 63), and KL Rahul (66 off 107) all got starts, but no one could deliver the match-winning innings.
On the bowling department, India got off to a good start, as Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah combined to restrict Australia to 47/3. Travis Head, on the other hand, smashed 137 off 120 balls with 15 fours and four sixes in the final. Marnus Labuschagne (58* off 110) provided solid assistance as Australia cruised home in 43 overs.
Having performed so effectively during the World Cup, Indian players found it hard to restrain their emotions after the loss. Pacer Mohammed Siraj and skipper Rohit were in tears, while Kohli, like the rest of the Indian team, appeared disappointed.
Here’s a collection of photos and videos that illustrate Team India members’ disappointment following yet another loss in an ICC final.
Rohit Sharma Admits India’s World Cup Failure
After India’s disappointing performance in the 2023 World Cup final, captain Rohit Sharma admitted that his side was not good enough on the big day.
“The result hasn’t gone our way and we know that we were not good enough on the day. But I am proud of the team. Honestly, 20-30 runs (more) would’ve been good. We didn’t bat well enough.”
Rohit Sharma
The Indian captain lauded Head and Labuschagne for forming a strong connection and stealing the game from the hosts.
“Australia stitched a big partnership after losing three wickets. With 240 on the board, we wanted early wickets but credit to Travis Head and Marnus. They put us completely out of the game.”
Rohit Sharma
Following the dismissals of David Warner (7), Mitchell Marsh (15), and Steve Smith (4), Head and Labuschagne combined 192 runs for the fourth wicket to effectively eliminate Team India from the World Cup final.