By India produced top-notch performances at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 but their dream run came to nought after a six-wicket defeat to Australia in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
India appeared to be in a promising position when Australia were at 47/3, chasing 240. However, a 192-run stand between Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne denied the home team a third World Cup title.
Despite the heartbreak, social media saw India’s sporting icons like Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar and Abhinav Bindra express their gratitude towards the Indian cricket team, acknowledging its exceptional performances throughout the 45-day tournament.
On Instagram, Kapil Dev, the captain of India’s World Cup-winning team in 1983, offered words of solace to the present Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. “Rohit, you are a master at what you do. You have a lot of success awaiting you. It is tough I know but keep your spirits up. India is with you,” Kapil Dev posted.
India came into the final with 10 wins on the trot. Virat Kohli ended as the top-scorer at the 2023 ODI World Cup with 765 runs ahead of Rohit Sharma, who came second with 597 runs. Mohammed Shami, with 24 wickets, was the top wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Sachin Tendulkar, who was the player of the tournament in the 2003 World Cup when India lost to Australia in the final, said he could relate to what players were going through after the defeat.
“Just one bad day in an otherwise sterling tournament can be heartbreaking… Losses are a part of the sport but let us remember that this unit gave their all for us throughout the tournament.”
